Engineers from Wrexham University's subsidiary, Glyndwr Innovations Ltd (GIL), are producing the final prototype mirror for the world's largest telescope.
Based at the OpTIC Technology Centre within the university's St Asaph campus, the team recently penned their latest contract with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to produce the M5 commissioning mirror for the ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).
The signing took place at ESO's headquarters in Garching, Germany, and continues the project's pursuit for completion.
Professor Maria Hinfelaar, vice-chancellor at Wrexham University, attended the meeting remotely.
The telescope is being constructed in Chile's Atacama Desert atop the Cerro Armazones mountain, standing 3,046 metres above sea level.
Crafted from 798 individual hexagonal segments, the ELT’s 39-metre main mirror (M1) will make it the largest telescope in the world for both visible and infrared light.
Its advanced five-mirror optical system, encompassing mirrors M1 to M5 with unique shapes and sizes, is designed to provide unparalleled views of the universe.
The GIL team have a connection with the ELT project having previously helped develop the manufacturing process for the M1 mirror.
The current M5 commissioning mirror is designed to adjust its position up to ten times per second without bending to get the sharpest images.
At 2.7 by 2.2 metres and weighing in at approximately 400 kg, it's claimed to be the largest tip-tilt mirror ever created.
Dr Ian Barwick, head of operations at Glyndwr Innovations, celebrated his team's abilities and dedication.
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Dr Barwick said: "We are extremely pleased to have secured this latest contract with ESO to supply an M5 commissioning mirror for the ELT.
"This M5 commissioning mirror, part of the ELT’s optical system, helps stabilize images against vibrations and wind, enhancing image quality.
"We have been working with ESO for more than a decade now, so we are delighted to continue to meet their needs as part of this incredible – but also challenging – project.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our talented team of engineers for their extraordinary efforts and capability.
"It’s a remarkable project to be a part of – and further enhances our world-class reputation."
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