SMATT, a tool that measures the mechanical loads on the support points of the TMT primary mirror supports

TMT will be a telescope with 492 segments making up the primary mirror. Each of these segments is supported with a highly sophisticated Segment Support Assembly (SSA) and each of them is to be tested for acceptance using a tool called SMATT. This tool will be mounted on top of each SSA and provides the load distribution applied to its 27 support...

PACT: the actuator to support the primary mirror of the ELT

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has started technology development for their next generation optical telescope. Due to its ultra large collecting area, The European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) will require a paradigm shift in telescope design to keep the overall program cost at an acceptable level. The E-ELT will feature a 42 meter...