The first two TMT full-size Mirror Segments demonstration assemblies installed into the Multi-Segment Integration & Test (MSIT) facility at the Monrovia lab. - Image credit: TMT International Observatory
The first two TMT full-size Mirror Segments demonstration assemblies installed into the Multi-Segment Integration & Test (MSIT) facility at the Monrovia lab. - Image credit: TMT International Observatory
Two full-size TMT Primary Segment demonstration assemblies fitted with aluminum mirror segments have been successfully installed into the Multi-Segment Integration & Test (MSIT) facility at the TMT lab.
Installation of second TMT full-size production-like Segment Assembly at TMT Technical Lab. -Image credit: TMT International Observatory
The prototypes are positioned in tip, tilt and piston and aligned with a gap of 2.5 mm between the segment edges at the optical surface, in exactly the same way that the primary mirrors will be installed on the telescope.
The newly-installed production-like segment assemblies will be used to perform extensive testing and design validation.
Alan Tubb, TMT Opto-Mechanical Engineer, installing the TMT Primary Segment demonstration assemblies fitted with aluminum mirror segments in Monrovia Lab. -Image credit: TMT International Observatory
One of the immediate efforts will be to test the performance of the capacitive edge-sensor dust-boots, which are used to protect their sensitive hardware and electronics from the environment.
In addition, they will support the on-going development of equipment and procedures that will be used in the insertion, extraction, handling and maintenance of the segments and their associated systems over the lifetime of the telescope.
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