MSE – Mauna Kea Spectroscopic Explorer Telescope
USA
The Mauna Kea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE) project aims to build a 10-meter class telescope that will be fully dedicated to spectroscopic exploration of the universe. With an ability to simultaneously measure thousands of objects with a spectral resolution range spanning 2,500 to 40,000, this one-of-a-kind facility will offer unique scientific opportunities to the astrophysics community in the study of the chemistry and dynamics of the Cosmos.
Mauna Kea is one of the best sites in the world for astronomy. However, it is a culturally and environmentally sensitive area. The location of the current 3.6m CFHT Telescope is arguably one of the best observation points in Mauna Kea, and thus, it was resolved to overcome building restrictions and to minimize impact on the site by decommissioning the 3.6 meter CFHT Telescope and using their former facility to build and host a larger 10-meter class telescope for the MSE Project.
The MSE – CFHT Corporation entrusted IDOM with the Conceptual Design of the MSE Telescope. The telescope design developed by IDOM features a novel architecture that combines well proven and robust technologies, integrated in a way that the entire telescope assembly delivers optomechanic and mechatronic performances exceeding those of the most renowned currently operative 10-meter class telescopes, which are the largest telescopes built up to now.
The developed solution offers a very high stiffness-to-mass ratio that leads to optimal seeing performance. It also incorporates a high efficiency seismic protection system and other remarkable features.
Images courtesy of MSE – CFHT Corporation
