Innovative relocation system for enclosures for MROI array telescopes

A. Busatta; L. Ghedin; G. Marchiori; S. Mian; I. Payne; M. Pozzobon

doi:10.1117/12.858886

22 July 2010 Innovative relocation system for enclosures for MROI array telescopes

A. Busatta, L. Ghedin, G. Marchiori, S. Mian, I. Payne, M. Pozzobon

Proceedings Volume 7739, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation; 773937 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.858886
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI) comprises an array of up to ten (10) 1.4m diameter mirror telescopes. Each of these ten telescopes will be housed inside a Unit Telescope Enclosure (UTE) which can be relocated, with the telescope inside, to any of 28 stations arranged in a "Y" configuration. These stations comprise fixed foundations with utility and data connections. There are four standard array configurations, the most compact of which one has less than 350 mm of space between the enclosures. This paper describes the relocation systems that were evaluated, including a rail based system, wheels or trolley fixed to the bottom of the enclosure, and various lifting mechanisms, all of which were analyzed to determine their performances related to the requirements. Eventually a relocation system utilizing a modified reachstacker (a transporter used to handle freight containers) has been selected. The reachstacker is capable of manoeuvring between and around the enclosures, is capable of lifting the combined weight of the enclosure with the telescope (40tons), and can manoeuvre the enclosure with minimal vibrations. A rigorous testing procedure has been performed to determine the vibrations induced in a dummy load in order to guarantee the safety of optics that must remain on the nasmyth table during the relocation. Finally we describe the lifting system, constituted by hydraulic jacks and locating pins, designed to lift and lower the enclosure and telescope during the precise positioning of the telescopes in the various stations.

Citation Download Citation

A. Busatta, L. Ghedin, G. Marchiori, S. Mian, I. Payne, and M. Pozzobon "Innovative relocation system for enclosures for MROI array telescopes", Proc. SPIE 7739, Modern Technologies in Space- and Ground-based Telescopes and Instrumentation, 773937 (22 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.858886

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