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
Idaho National Laboratory, Advanced Test Reactor, Primary Heat Exchangers Upgrade
Previous analysis by BEA raised potential concerns with the primary heat exchanger supports under a design earthquake. SGH evaluated the seismic performance of the primary heat exchanger supports and designed necessary upgrades.
West
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Energy Systems Integration Facility
Recognizing a growing need for clean energy, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) embarked on an Energy Systems Integration initiative to promote research and improve the technology.