VISTA telescope mount: factory testing prior to optics integration

Paul Jeffers; Brian Stobie; Stan Hermann; Brad McCreight

doi:10.1117/12.671814

26 June 2006 VISTA telescope mount: factory testing prior to optics integration

Paul Jeffers, Brian Stobie, Stan Hermann, Brad McCreight

Proceedings Volume 6267, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes; 626739 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.671814
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

VISTA is a survey telescope which will deliver 0.5 arc second images over a 2 degree diameter unvignetted field of view. The Telescope Work Package which includes both the Mount and M1 support system is being designed and built by VertexRSI. The Contract includes an extensive factory test programme after full assembly of the telescope systems. The main optical elements in projects this size are ordered early so that they are ready for integration with the telescope on site. This means that testing of the telescope with its optics in the factory environment is rarely possible. So to try and avoid problems during site integration, the scope and extent of hardware and control system factory testing is significant and should be suitably in-depth. This paper describes the metrology and testing carried out to date in the factory environment. In addition the axis control system was simulated using Matlab-Simulink models. The models were also used as the basis of software verification using hardware-in-the-loop tests in a model-based development process. This development process and subsequent factory testing is described in some detail, and covers the mount axes and the M1 support system. In conclusion this paper discusses the perceived usefulness of the extent of the factory testing employed and how this is expected to mesh with the process of telescope and optics integration on site.

Citation Download Citation

Paul Jeffers, Brian Stobie, Stan Hermann, and Brad McCreight "VISTA telescope mount: factory testing prior to optics integration", Proc. SPIE 6267, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes, 626739 (26 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.671814

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