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Putting the MIRA back together

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The MIRA is back at the shed and ready to be pieced back together after it’s recent trip to the paint shop.

What were some challenges the team faced when repairing the MIRA telescope, and how did they overcome them?

Putting the MIRA back together: A task of precision and patience

The MIRA telescope, located at La Silla Observatory in Chile, is a crucial instrument used by astronomers to study the universe. It has been in operation since 1985, making significant contributions to the scientific community. However, in 2017, the telescope needed major repairs due to mechanical issues.

The task of putting the MIRA back together was assigned to a team of highly experienced engineers, technicians, and astronomers. The specialists were faced with many challenges, starting with an assessment of the damage. The telescope’s primary mirror and its mount had become deformed and damaged over time. Its secondary mirror had also become misaligned, and many other parts needed to be replaced.

The repair process began with the engineers coming up with a detailed plan that included disassembling the entire telescope. This included removing the primary mirror, the secondary mirror, and the mechanical and electronic components. The team then took careful measurements of each component’s position to ensure accuracy when reassembling them.

The primary mirror, which is the most critical component of the MIRA, was sent to Germany for repairs. It was a delicate and time-consuming process that involved precision polishing and recoating its surface. The secondary mirror, which also needed re-alignment, was carefully adjusted to the correct position.

After repairing the mirror, the team then had to focus on reinstalling and aligning the mirrors and the mount. This was done with the utmost care, as even the slightest misalignment could affect the MIRA’s performance.

Reassembling the electronics and mechanical systems was another challenge that required careful attention to detail. Many of these components had been modified or replaced to meet the telescope’s new specifications.

Once the telescope was fully reassembled, the team conducted a series of tests to ensure that it was working correctly. These tests included checking the pointing accuracy, the tracking accuracy, and the image quality. Any flaws or defects were addressed and corrected promptly.

Putting the MIRA back together was a process that required precision, patience, and expertise. The telescope has now been restored to its original performance levels and continues to be a crucial tool for the study of the universe.

In conclusion, repairing the MIRA telescope was a task that required a highly skilled team to disassemble, repair, and reassemble it accurately. The successful repair is a testament to the team’s dedication and expertise. The MIRA’s restoration will enable astronomers to continue exploring the universe and making significant contributions to science.