Press Release

Installation of Motors Begins on VLT Unit Telescope 1

22 September 1997

With the completed assembly of the heavy parts that form the mechanical structure of the first (UT1) of the four large VLT Unit Telescopes, the integration of the motor that will move the telescope around the (horizontal) altitude axis is now about to start.

The next step will be the integration of the encoders which will read the precise position of the upper part of the telescope (the `tube'). Thereafter follows the integration of the adaptor-rotator unit which will include the key elements of the adaptive optics.

In addition to the photos of the large altitude bearing and the shaft where the direct motor drive will be installed, this series also contains two views of the UT1 in its enclosure following the removal of the scaffolding needed for the mechanical assembly, as also two of the control building.

Please note that since these images were electronically recorded and were primarily obtained to document the VLT construction activities, they may not be of sufficient quality for all reproduction purposes.

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About the Release

Release No.:eso9725
Legacy ID:Photo 27a-f/97
Name:Very Large Telescope, VLT Control Room, VLT Unit Telescopes
Type:Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Facility
Unspecified : Technology : Observatory : Telescope
Facility:Very Large Telescope

Images

Unit Telescope 1 in its enclosure
Unit Telescope 1 in its enclosure
The view form the Unit Telescope 1 enclosure
The view form the Unit Telescope 1 enclosure
Unit Telescope 1 altitude bearings
Unit Telescope 1 altitude bearings
VLT control building
VLT control building
Inside the VLT control building
Inside the VLT control building