Bug bots that can build large accurate structures in space. Then go for the best aperture size, large, 30 meter light collectors. Deploy the bots outside the space station, feed them light weight components. They can scramble around in the vacuum, building telescopes a km long.
The bug bots are under direct control of the guy in he station. He is watching through the microscope to wide angle lens of the bot, almost perfect vision. So as long as the bot climbs about without slipping, the guy in the station can execute spot welds to precision, measure to micrometer per kilometer, and point lasers, maneuver accurate mirror polishers, work with high temperature fluids.
Component parts of the large structures are individually small, simple, durable and lightweight, sent up from earth in mass quantity. The footing of the bugbot and the component dimensions codesigned. So, run 100 kilo of these components up to the space station arm. The bots and their tools will grab, assemble, and walk upon. getting you a very accurate, lightweight and large telescope structure. The human and the bot share a small space chamber to share tools and materials.
The bot could assemble a large mirror from triangular parts, then lazily polish it to perfection over the weeks. Just send a bot climbing the km long structure, along with your favorite focal plane. It can just sit out in the FOV and capture from the mirror.
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