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- Solid Ground on Earth for New Views into Space
With a primary mirror diameter of 39 m, the world's largest optical and near-infrared telescope is being built on Cerro Armazones in Chile – the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). The pioneering major project of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) will enable an unprecedented view into the depths of the universe. Fastening and system solutions with accompanying engineering and BIM services from the company fischer ensure the safe and efficient installation of the piping trades of the technical building equipment (TGA).
The ELT – the world’s largest telescope for the optical and near-infrared range – is being constructed on Cerro Armazones in Chile at an altitude of 3,060 m above sea level. It is approximately 130 km south of the coastal city of Antofagasta and about 20 km from the Very Large Telescope (VLT) – another ESO facility – on Cerro Paranal. The site and preliminary work for the ELT of ESO began in 2014, with scientific operations planned after 2030.
For this new facility, the steel construction company Cimolai S.p.A. (Pordenone in Friuli Venezia Giulia) developed the design, construction, and installation of the dome as well as the main structure as the leading company of a consortium. Fastening and system solutions from fischer are used on behalf of Cimolai S.p.A. Together with accompanying fischer engineering and BIM services, the products ensure the safe and efficient installation of the pipe trades of the building services engineering.
Space research is being advanced
The goal of the project is to advance the observation and research of exoplanets, early galaxies, and cosmic dark matter. Equipped with the latest technology, the telescope sets new standards in astronomical research. Adaptive optics correct atmospheric distortions in real time. Six laser guide stars serve as artificial reference points in the sky and enable extremely precise image adjustment. The system is complemented by highly advanced scientific instruments specifically developed for observing faint and distant celestial bodies.
That as a fastening specialist we offer the most cost-efficient package of complete solutions and engineering services from a single source convinces our customers
As a 39-meter telescope, the ELT will collect 15 times more light than the largest currently operating optical telescopes. It will also deliver images that are 15 times sharper than those of the Hubble Space Telescope – one of the most significant facilities in the history of space exploration. This opens an unprecedented view into the depths of the universe – reaching back to the earliest galaxies after the Big Bang.
The ELT is a ground-based telescope system for optical and infrared observations. The 93 m diameter primary mirror consists of 798 hexagonal segments. All mirror segments can be precisely aligned using sensors and actuators. The ELT features a huge rotating dome with a slit opening for observations. It has a diameter of approximately 93 m and is about 80 m high. The entire structure is designed to withstand strong earthquakes. Both the dome pillar and the auxiliary building rest on seismic isolators to dampen earthquake vibrations.
fischer installation systems are used for fastening the cables and pipes of the ELT. This includes heating, cooling, sanitary, ventilation, and sprinkler systems, as well as the supply of compressed air, gas, and special media. In addition to the installation systems, suitable fasteners such as concrete screws, bolt anchors, and the fischer injection system FIS EM Plus with anchor rods are also installed. The fastening expert also developed a sliding and fixed point system for the ELT that meets the high technical requirements of the project. Accompanying engineering and BIM services support the successful design and dimensioning of the products and systems.
"That we, as fastening experts, offer the most cost-effective package of complete solutions and engineering services from a single source convinces our customers," emphasizes Luca Zordan, Sales Engineering Manager & Project Business Sales Manager at fischer Italy. Chiara Dalle Nogare, Technical Sales Account Project Business at fischer Italy, adds: "The possibilities also extend to project-specific solutions specially tailored to MEP applications in ELT, such as the sliding and fixed point system, which easily accommodates movements of extensive piping systems due to thermal stress or external influences." Dr. Matthias Bruhnke, Head of fischer Construction Engineering GmbH, stresses: "In addition to the appropriate fastening solutions, we offer our customers accompanying 360° services that support successful planning and execution. We will continue to stand by our customers until the successful completion of ELT."
