Primary Mirror Cell

The big 6.5 meter eye needs a big support system. Though we didn't get to see or install the primary mirror, we designed, fabricated and installed the 33,000 pound mirror support cell on the OSS. Large light reflecting telescopes require they're large mirrors to be able to deflect its parabolic surface in various zones to precise measurements in order to adjust and focus where the scientist needs to produce the best quality image possible. This is done by the use of sophisticated electronic force actuators mounted at the back side of the mirror. You will notice hundreds of precision holes machined on the flat face of the cell. This is where these actuators are mounted.

	Terry King, engineer in the basket
	Ready for packaging

Altitude Disc's

Two altitude disc's, one on each end of the center section weighing 33,500 pounds each give the OSS mount the ability to rotate the primary mirror from horizon to zenith positions. The flat and radius hydro-static bearing surfaces are precision ground for friction free ultra smooth motion. Very high torque ultra low speed DC drive motor assemblies do the work of positioning and following galaxies far far away.

 

Altitude disc assembly with Nasmyth optical wheel mounted at center. The thin

part mounted at bottom is the hardened altitude drive motor arch.

This photo shows the contact point of the center section assembly. Notice

the raised rectangular ground surface. Also 3 lock pin receptacle ports.

 

Mirror cell cooling system mounted on altitude disc.

Forced air ducting to equalize ambient temp throughout OSS.

 

OSS lock pin actuator