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

Project Summary

Icon: completion-date

1995

Completion Date
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Advanced Analysis
Markets
Science & Defense
Client(s)
Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Key team members

Frank Kan
Principal
781.907.9233 fwkan@sgh.com

Additional Projects

West

Vanadium Technology Program, Blast-Resistant Walls

Over ten years, SGH researched innovative uses of High Strength Low Alloy Vanadium (HSLA-V) steels in a variety of structural applications under the Vanadium Technology Program, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. ARL in conjunction with VPRA.
Explore
See All Projects