2023 June – December: Telescope Disassembly and Removal
The Leighton Telescope has been disassembled and removed from Maunakea. It was transported to the Kawaihae Harbor and will be shipped to Chile for reuse. These are some notable steps in the process.
Progress
- 2023-12-07: Remove two containers with truss segments from Maunakea. Telescope removal is complete.
- 2023-11-17: Load two mirror truss segments into containers along with baseplate.
- 2023-11-16: Transport to Maunakea two containers with fixtures for mirror truss segments.
- 2023-11-06: Remove two containers with truss segments from Maunakea.
- 2023-10-23 & 24: Load six mirror truss segments into containers.
- 2023-10-19: Transport to Maunakea two containers with fixtures for mirror truss segments.
- 2023-10-09: Remove container with telescope panels from Maunakea.
- 2023-10-03: Complete division of primary mirror truss into eight smaller pieces. Await transportation fixtures.
- 2023-09-27: Start division of primary mirror truss into smaller pieces.
- 2023-09-20: Start preparation of primary mirror truss for division into smaller pieces.
- 2023-09-19: Telescope pedestal removed from Maunakea.
- 2023-09-18: Elevation mechanism removed from Maunakea.
- 2023-09-15: Telescope pedestal removed from dome. Instrument platforms removed from Maunakea.
- 2023-09-14: Elevation mechanism removed from telescope.
- 2023-09-13: Instrument platforms removed from telescope.
- 2023-09-12: Counterweights removed from telescope.
- 2023-09-11: Primary mirror truss removed from telescope, placed on baseplate in parking area.
- 2023-09-08: Crane delivered to CSO prior to removal of Leighton telescope.
- 2023-08-30: Crate secondary mirror assembly for shipment.
- 2023-08-25: Pack four feedlegs for shipment.
- 2023-08-24: Remove four feedlegs and secondary mirror assembly.
- 2023-08-19: Remove optical bench from side platform.
- 2023-08-16: Assemble baseplate in parking area to support disassembly of mirror truss.
- 2023-08-11: Finish packing mirror panels in crates.
- 2023-08-01: Transport container with crates to Maunakea. Start packing mirror panels in crates.
- 2023-07-28: Finish production of crates for mirror panels. Pack crates in container.
- 2023-07-12: Start production of crates for mirror panels.
- 2023-07-11: Finish fabrication of prototype crates. Pack four mirror panels in prototype crates.
- 2023-07-05: Start fabrication of prototype crates for mirror panels.
- 2023-06-30: Start preparation of primary mirror truss for disassembly.
- 2023-06-29: Finish removal of 84 primary mirror panels.
- 2023-06-22: Start removal of primary mirror panels from mirror truss.
Video
2023-09-11: Removal of primary mirror truss from the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory dome.
Photos
Click through for full resolution images.
2023-12-07: CSO buildings awaiting deconstruction after removal of telescope.
2023-12-07: Loading container on truck.
2023-11-17: Loading mirror truss segment into container.
2023-10-23 & 24: Loading mirror truss segments into containers.
2023-09-18: Telescope pedestal on truck ready for departure from the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory.
2023-09-18: Telescope elevation mechanism on truck departing from the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory.
2023-09-15: Caltech Submillimeter Observatory dome after removal of Leighton Telescope.
2023-09-15: Removal of telescope pedestal from the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory dome.
2023-09-15: Instrument platforms loaded on truck ready for departure from the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory.
2023-09-14: Removal of elevation mechanism from the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory dome.
2023-09-11: Removal of primary mirror truss from the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory dome.
2023-09-08: Crane at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory prior to removal of Leighton telescope.
2023-08-24: Leighton telescope at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory before and after removal of feedlegs and secondary mirror assembly.
2023-08-11: Leighton telescope at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory after removal of primary mirror panels.
c. 2001: Leighton telescope at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory before disassembly.
c. 1990. Leighton telescope at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory.