IDOM USA’s Post

World’s most powerful telescope ready for construction Construction is now ready to start on the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile, which will be one of the world’s largest astronomical facilities when completed. Architecture and Engineering firm, IDOM recently completed the final design review for the project. When completed, the 65-meter-tall enclosure will be one of the largest mechanised buildings ever constructed. At over 5,000 metric tons, the enclosure will be able to complete a full rotation in four minutes. It will be equipped with 46-meter-tall shutter doors that reveal the 25.4-meter telescope for unobstructed scientific observations. The smart building is designed to control the telescope’s operating environment by protecting seven of the world’s largest mirrors as they track celestial objects across the sky more than a billion light years away. IDOM began developing the Giant Magellan Telescope enclosure design over two years ago following a global search and extensive evaluation process. “Our team approached the challenge of the Giant Magellan Telescope enclosure knowing that this structure would be responsible for enabling some of the most important scientific discoveries of our lifetimes,” said IDOM North American President, Tom Lorentz. Construction of the telescope components housed within the enclosure are advancing rapidly. For example, over the past year, fabrication commenced on the seventh and final primary mirror in Arizona, while manufacturing of the 39-meter-tall mount structure began in Illinois. Other advancements include near completion of the telescope’s first adaptive secondary mirror and significant progress on a suite of high-resolution imagers and spectrographs. For more information on the Construction, Mining Equipment and Allied Industries, please reach us at www.equipmenttimes.in Ramamurthy Mayavan Philip Varghese #Engineering #astronomical #telescope #constructionmachinery #infrastructure #constructionequipment #manufacturing #equipment #manufacturing #construction

#Engineering firms investigate #underground telescope feasibility. Dutch research institute Nikhef (Nationaal instituut voor subatomaire fysica) has commissioned Tunnel Engineering Consultants v.o.f (TEC), a permanent joint venture between Royal HaskoningDHV and Witteveen+Bos, to carry out a #technical feasibility study into establishing the underground Einstein Telescope in #Europe. The Einstein Telescope will be Europe’s most advanced observatory for gravitational waves. TEC, in conjunction with the Swiss partners Amberg Engineering, Lombardi Engineering Switzerland and the Belgian TRACTEBEL, will study whether the soil of the Meuse-Rhine Euregio is suitable to house the facility. The Einstein Telescope will have a triangle of three vacuum corridors, each 10km long, at 250-300m below the Earth’s surface. There, sensitive lasers and vibration-free suspended mirrors will continuously measure gravitational waves. The telescope will detect a thousand times more gravitational waves than its predecessors. By measuring those ripples in spacetime, scientists aim to hear black holes collide and gain knowledge about the early universe, just after the Big Bang. The location in the border area of the #Netherlands, #Belgium and #Germany was selected because the soft #topsoil blocks vibrations caused by human activity at the surface, allowing the underground observatory to take measurements undisturbed. The area is also a technology centre, with universities and a network of hi-tech companies with expertise in the precision technology needed. Among other things, TEC investigates the suitability of the subsoil, the best position of the three points of the triangle and all the technical challenges involved in building #tunnels at depth. “Tunnels are our DNA at TEC,” said TEC management director Hans De Wit, “and we are well-known as global market leaders in #tunnel engineering and design. “We’re delighted to bring our expertise to assess the feasibility of this location for the iconic Einstein Telescope.” The three countries will decide at cabinet level whether to apply as a possible site. Sardinia is also interested in hosting the Einstein Telescope. The final choice of location is expected to be made at #European level in 2025/2026.

Considering the harsh conditions of space—vacuum, temperature fluctuations, and radiation—it's natural for an engineer with a mechanical engineering background like me to assume that satellites should be made of metal. However, this research takes a different approach. Instead of accepting conventional wisdom without question, it seeks to overcome challenges with flexible thinking, which is truly inspiring. While wooden components are still used only in certain parts, I am looking forward to the test results of this wooden satellite in the harsh space environment. #spaceindustry #innovation #spacedebris #engineering

As a Structural Engineer we always need to consider temperature and the effects it has on our structures. It can cause waterproofing to fail and buildings to crack and bridges to collapse. This video isnt much about structural engineering, but more about the science behind how the incredible images from the James Webb telescope, is taken at 6 degrees above absolute zero. It's science on steriods.

A great #opportunity for the U.S. #Space #industry! And please let us, scientists and engineers in academia, know if we can help in any way. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced the 10-Year #Lunar #Architecture, or LunA-10, project seeking ideas from both potential developers of lunar #power, #communications, #navigation, and other #infrastructure as well as users of such capabilities. The agency plans to select a group that will then work together on “new integrated system-level solutions that span multiple services” and be commercially available by 2035. (https://lnkd.in/ejKqpSWS) The first #solicitation of LunA-10, for a 7-month #award up to $1,000,000 can be seen here and the #proposal abstracts are #due by September 6, 2023: https://lnkd.in/espXs8MJ

Lightweight but robust, aluminium is the single most versatile space material. A new ESA project extends this versatility still further, by investigating the production of big aluminium mirrors for space-based astronomy. Applying a novel technique, the team joined together multiple aluminium segments to form a single mirror. The resulting surface had to be optically perfect however, with no trace left of joins in the combined metal. Setting the target for the project is the 1.1-m-diameter aluminium main mirror of ESA’s Ariel mission, which will acquire the temperature profile and chemical composition of distant exoplanets as they cross in front of their parent stars. Ariel’s mirror will be produced in a conventional manner, starting with a single large piece of aluminium, but the concept of making a mirror by fixing together multiple aluminium segments represents a valuable backup method, potentially applicable to follow-on astronomy missions. “Making such a large mirror out of aluminium has never been done before, but holds various advantages,” explains ESA materials engineer Advenit Makaya. “It means that the mirror will be homogenous with the rest of its parent telescope structure, avoiding thermal discontinuities that risk putting observing instruments out of alignment, and avoids the need for interfaces, reducing mass and complexity.” #ESA #ArielMission #DiffusionBonding #Mirror Image: Dutch company RSP Technology has developed aluminium alloys obtained through a ‘rapid solidification’ process, involving spinning molten aluminium on a rotating wheel to obtain very thin strips that possess an ultra-fine microstructure.

📝 Tata Consulting Engineers Limited Engineers' Integral Role in Chandrayaan 3 Launch 🚀🌕 TATA SONS LIMITED always a silent Nation Builder..... Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCE), a prominent Indian private-sector engineering and project management consultancy, has significantly contributed to the success of Chandrayaan 3, the third moon mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Through its innovative designs and engineering prowess, TCE played a crucial role in developing and building critical systems for the launch vehicle. 🔥 Important Highlights You Can't Afford to Miss Today 💪💼 💡 Crucial Partnership since 2005: TCE has been a pivotal partner of ISRO since 2005, contributing to the design of essential components and facilities necessary for the successful launch of Satellite Launch Vehicles. 🚀 Engineered Facilities for Launch: TCE's engineering efforts included designing and building critical facilities such as the Solid Propellant Plant, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the Mobile Launch Pedestal, which played crucial roles in the Chandrayaan 3 mission. 🛰️ Solid Propellant Plant: TCE engineered the Solid Propellant Plant responsible for producing the propellant that powers the satellite launch vehicle. This facility also produces various specialized equipment required in the propellant production process. 🏗️ Vehicle Assembly Building: TCE's involvement extended to the design and construction of the Vehicle Assembly Building, a dedicated space for assembling the space vehicle and its components. This facility ensures the integration of the launch vehicle with precision. 🚚 Mobile Launch Pedestal: The Mobile Launch Pedestal, equipped with the Bogie mechanism, was also a creation of TCE. This pedestal facilitates the safe and precise transportation of the launch vehicle to the designated launch location. 👏 ISRO's Acknowledgment: Sudheer Kumar N, Director of Capacity Building and Public Outreach at ISRO, praised TCE's contributions, highlighting the company's invaluable role in ISRO's space program. He emphasized that TCE's innovative designs have been instrumental in the success of multiple missions and are expected to play a crucial role in upcoming projects. 🌌 Legacy of Innovation: TCE's involvement in space missions dates back to several decades before its collaboration with ISRO in 2005. Notably, in 1971, TCE engineered the world's first and largest equatorially mounted cylindrical radio telescope, ORT, in Ooty. In 1986, the company contributed to the design of India's first domestically produced 2.3m optical telescope for the Indian Institute of Astrophysics at Kavalur. These remarkable contributions by Tata Consulting Engineers Limited underscore their significant role in advancing India's space exploration efforts and solidify their status as a crucial partner in shaping the nation's achievements in space technology.

To build lunar infrastructure that can support human life and stand the test of time is an engineering challenge for the ages, and it’s one that space agencies the world over are taking on with enthusiasm. https://lnkd.in/dRF9KbWG

🚀 Exciting Update! 🌌 Participated in the Space Station Design Workshop at the Institute of Space Systems (IRS), University of Stuttgart, Germany! I had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the Space Station Design Workshop held between 22nd July to 28th July. The workshop, organized by IRS, brought together students and professionals from diverse backgrounds for an intensive and interdisciplinary program. 🔍 The Program Highlights: The workshop encompassed a broad range of topics, including mission analysis, space station and subsystems design, utilization aspects, systems engineering, and project management. The mix of lectures and practical design work in a team-centered environment provided a comprehensive learning experience. 🚀 Interdisciplinary Collaboration: One of the most rewarding aspects of the workshop was the chance to collaborate with individuals from various disciplines. Working together on challenging design projects, we leveraged each other's expertise and learned to approach problems from multiple angles. This dynamic collaboration truly reflected the spirit of teamwork that is crucial for success in the aerospace industry or any other industry for that matter. 💡 Gaining Invaluable Insights: The depth of knowledge shared by the distinguished experts during the lectures was truly enlightening. From spacecraft design principles to space mission planning, we delved into the intricacies of building and operating space stations, life support systems, the possibility of inspace manufacturing, radiation and thermal control as well as energy and power subsystems(EPS) where I mostly took part. I feel more inspired and confident to tackle real-world challenges in the field of space systems. 🏆 A Transformative Experience: Participating in the workshop has been a transformative experience for me. I've gained practical insights into the complexities of space systems, and the hands-on design work has strengthened my problem-solving skills. 🌟 Gratitude: I extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers, faculty, and my fellow participants for making this workshop an exceptional learning opportunity. The support and camaraderie among the participants made the entire experience truly unforgettable. 🚀 Looking Forward: This workshop has ignited my passion for space exploration, and I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The knowledge and connections gained during this workshop will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in the aerospace industry. #SpaceStationDesignWorkshop #IRSUniversityofStuttgart #AerospaceEngineering #SpaceExploration #Teamwork #LearningExperience

Our Positive Expulsion Propellant Tank (PEPT) 590 Propellant Tank: Fueling the Future of Space Exploration! 🌌   The PEPT-590 is a remarkable spacecraft and satellite propellant tank. Let’s dive into the details:   Net Volume: With a minimal net volume of 102.5 liters, this tank packs a punch. Propellant Capacity: It can hold up to 75 kg of propellant, making it a crucial component for extended space missions. Operating Pressure: The PEPT-590 operates within a pressure range of 5.5 to 24.6 bar. Burst Pressure: In extreme conditions, it can withstand up to 49.2 bar. Propellants Supported: Compatible with Hydrazine, IPA, distilled water, GN2, and GHe. Material: Crafted from Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy, it’s both lightweight and robust. Positive Fuel Expulsion: An EPDM-based silica-free rubber diaphragm ensures efficient fuel expulsion. Flight Heritage: The PEPT-590 has flown successfully on missions since 2011. 🌟 Why It Matters:   Spacecraft Lifeline: Propellant tanks like the PEPT-590 keep satellites and spacecraft fueled for their entire mission duration. Precision Engineering: The tank’s spherical design optimizes space utilization while maintaining structural integrity. Green Propellants: Its compatibility with ADN-based green propellant aligns with sustainable space practices.