| API Compensates FAST - The World's Largest Telescope |
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NAOC to Use the API Tracker3™ as Part of The Five Hundred Meters Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) In December 2009, the CEO of Automated Precision Inc. Dr. Kam Lau and delegates visited the National Astronomical Observatories Chinese Academy Sciences (NAOC). The two organizations held in-depth discussions about cooperating to achieve real-time dynamic measurement of the Feed Cabin for the Five Hundred Meters Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) project. In the meeting, the deputy director of NAOC, Mr. Zheng Xiao Nian, and Dr. Lau concluded a cooperation agreement that both organizations are very excited about.
The Karst depression in the Guizhou province of China provides a unique topographical condition ideal for building a huge aperture spherical telescope. The dimension of the telescope, once completed, will be equal to 30 standard football fields making FAST the biggest telescope in the world. The sensitivity will be 10 times better than the 100 meter telescope in Bonn Germany, and the comprehensive performance will be 10 times better than Arecibo 300 in America.
One of the key components of the telescope is the Feed Cabin that hangs high above the basin. In order for the huge telescope to be precisely positioned to observe a celestial body, the Feed Cabin must remain steady and accurate. To compensate for the natural shaking of the Feed Cabin, API and NAOC developed a flexible platform that will be controlled in real time using data provided from the Tracker3™ and SmartTRACK™ Sensor.
The schematic above shows how the flexible platform holding the Feed Cabin works. There is a base platform that holds a motion platform with the Feed Cabin installed inside. The base platform is equipped with an API SmartTRACK™ Sensor that is tracked using an API Tracker3™ laser tracker. The position of the motion platform is controlled by six sliding legs. If the Base Platform starts to shake, the API Tracker3™ and 6D SmartTRACK™ Sensor record this movement and rapidly send measurement data to a computer which moves the Sliding Legs to compensate the Feed Cabin. This system allows FAST to maintain the high-precision positioning of the Feed Cabin needed to use the telescope. * * * About Automated Precision Inc. Automated Precision Inc. (API) is a world leader in advanced measurement solutions. Founded by Dr. Kam Lau in 1987, API pioneers progressively higher standards of accuracy for coordinate measuring and machine tool operation. API products are used by the world’s leading automotive, aerospace, machine tool, and CMM manufacturers. API’s experienced engineering team is unmatched in its ability to create advanced, innovative products, which meet the needs of rapidly evolving industries.
More information: API's SmartTRACK™ Sensor web page
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