Mount Hopkins, AZ
Smithsonian Institution, Multiple Mirror Telescope
Scope/Solutions
With the advent of economical large spun cast mirrors, the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Arizona wished to convert the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) to a telescope with a single 6.5 m dia. mirror to retain its position as one of the world’s most powerful instruments. SGH developed the drawings and specifications for this modification.
Highlights of SGH’s work on this project include the following:
- Developed conversion concepts and the final designs of the new Optics Support Structure (OSS) and mirror cell structure
- Designed a system that allows for in-place aluminizing of the primary mirror by lifting in a vacuum head and using the mirror cell as the bottom part of vacuum chamber
- Designed the required modifications to the rotating observatory building to accommodate the larger OSS
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Project Summary
1995
Completion Date
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Advanced Analysis
Markets
Science & Defense
Client(s)
Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Key team members
Additional Projects
West
Keck Telescope
On 15 October 2006, a large earthquake damaged both telescopes at Keck Observatory causing them to miss weeks of observation. SGH analyzed the Keck telescopes for seismic performance.
West
Idaho National Laboratory, Advanced Test Reactor, Equipment Seismic Qualification
SGH engineers performed the experienced-based seismic qualification of Seismic Category I equipment at the ATR to Performance Category 4 (PC-4) seismic criteria specified by DOE-STD-1020-2002.