The Hexapod Telescope -- A Never-ending Story
Abstract
The 1.5 m Hexapod Telescope is the prototype of a worldwide unique design concept for future telescopes. Its technical innovations comprise i) a mounting where the classical axes are replaced by six high-precision struts of variable lengths, ii) an actively controlled primary which consists of a thin Zerodur meniscus that is permanently fixed to a CFRP grid structure, iii) a secondary whose support legs are also designed as a Hexapod to compensate for gravitational deformation due to different elevations and, iv) a laser gyro system to provide the pointing. The telescope is currently tested in the Botanical Garden of the Ruhr-University Bochum and it is planned to transfer the instrument to Cerro Armazones, Chile after the world exhibition EXPO 2000.
- Publication:
-
Reviews in Modern Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000RvMA...13..257C