Solution

Smithsonian Institution, Multiple Mirror Telescope

Mount Hopkins, AZ

Service: Structural Design

Market: Science & Defense

Keywords: Construction Administration, Dome, Foundation, Mechanical/Electrical System, Spaceframe/Shell Structure, Telescope

Client

Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Completion

1995

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.

Scope | Solutions

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

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

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Smithsonian Institution, Multiple Mirror Telescope

Client

Completion

Scope | Solutions

Project Contact(s)

Joseph Antebi

Frank Kan