Rendering Design of the TMT Tertiary Mirror System (M3S). The Tertiary Mirror Support System and Positioner Assembly (M3SSPA) serves as a crucial subcomponent of the M3S. It supports and positions the tertiary mirror (M3), a large, flat, elliptical mirror situated near the primary mirror's center. This mirror plays a pivotal role in redirecting the telescope’s image to the instruments on the Nasmyth platforms. It is designed to quickly and accurately switch between various scientific instruments. Image credit: AMOS
TIO Kicks Off the Preliminary Design Contract for the Tertiary Mirror Support System and Positioner Assembly
Recently, Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems (AMOS) in Belgium and TIO conducted a remote kick-off meeting for the preliminary design of the Tertiary Mirror Support System and Positioner Assembly (M3SSPA). TIO awarded this contract to AMOS after an extensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The M3SSPA plays a crucial role, responsible for delivering the telescope’s optical beam onto astronomical instruments located on both Nasmyth platforms while also ensuring the maintenance of the M3 mirror’s figure.
The meeting occurred over a span of two days from April 23 to April 24, 2024 and marked a successful initiation of the preliminary design for the M3 System, of which the M3SSPA is a critical component. The work outlined in this contract is supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), which was granted to TIO last year for design and development purposes. Both TIO and AMOS are thrilled and privileged to join forces in this important project.
The meeting kicked off with introductions from both teams, followed by a design presentation by AMOS, that provided a comprehensive insight into their design for the M3SSPA. AMOS demonstrated their remarkable expertise in optical systems, sharing valuable information and raising pivotal questions to drive this project forward.
Tomas Chylek, Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer leading the work, said "This week’s kickoff meeting marks an exciting milestone in our effort to design the tertiary mirror support system. Collaborating with AMOS, we are confident that our collective expertise will pave the way for successful advancements in the TIO design."
Tertiary Mirror Support System and Positioner Assembly (M3SSPA) Preliminary Design Kickoff Meeting held on 23 and 24 April 2024. The meeting participants, including representatives from TIO Optics, Systems Engineering, Structure, and Controls groups, conducted a thorough review of the key M3SSPA requirements and interfaces with AMOS. Image credit: TMT International Observatory
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Cooperative Agreement No. 2331108. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
