High-performance mount for the SOAR telescope project

The telescope mount is an important component for the success of the Southern Observatory for Astronomical Research (SOAR) scientific mission. The SOAR telescope structure must have the best combination of extremely high structural stiffness, low torque bearings, sophisticated encoder pick-offs and smooth drive trains so that the servo system can achieve closed loop control in the sub-arc second regime. While challenging, these parameters are achievable. Once assembled, this mount will enable the telescope to have superior image viewing quality and large payload capacities. This paper will address the telescope mount structure, drive system performance, structural analysis and thermal design.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.