Next-generation telescope enclosure: a 91-m (300 ft.) geodesic dome

Thomas J. Mixter; David S. Porter

doi:10.1117/12.393937

2 August 2000 Next-generation telescope enclosure: a 91-m (300 ft.) geodesic dome

Thomas J. Mixter, David S. Porter

Proceedings Volume 4004, Telescope Structures, Enclosures, Controls, Assembly/Integration/Validation, and Commissioning; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393937
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

The next generation large telescope is expected to be on the order of a 20 to 50 meter diameter aperture. The facilities required for these large telescopes must be structurally efficient in design to be cost effective. A geodesic type, rotating aluminum dome is one possibility. A geodesic structure has the advantages of high specific strength and stiffness, easy of deployment to the site, rapid on-site assembly and installation in parallel with other telescope assembly tasks, and long life. This paper presents a feasibility study, cost estimates, and concept design for a 91 meters (300 feet) diameter geodesic aluminum dome suitable for the next generation large telescopes.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas J. Mixter and David S. Porter "Next-generation telescope enclosure: a 91-m (300 ft.) geodesic dome", Proc. SPIE 4004, Telescope Structures, Enclosures, Controls, Assembly/Integration/Validation, and Commissioning, (2 August 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393937

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