Rockford’s Ingersoll Awarded Contract For Giant Telescope
The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is a 24.5-meter (80-ft) diameter next-generation giant optical infrared observatory that will explore the frontiers of astronomy.
Exploring the "frontiers of astronomy" includes trying to figure out the answer to one of humanity's greatest questions, "Are we alone?"
Ingersoll Machine Tools recently won a 135-million-dollar contract to build a giant telescope. They call it the "Giant Magellan" expected to weigh in at 13,000 tons and made of steel. It's expected to have a resolution power ten times greater than the current leading global telescope. It's expected to take a total of nine years to build at the forest city manufacturing company before it's installed in Chile.
The telescope is expected to be delivered to Chile in 2025 and become fully functional by 2028
"It’s going to allow them to take on some science projects that are unprecedented. It may get to the question of are we alone,” said Chip Storie from Ingersoll. “To be able to look so far to find OUT is there life out there somewhere."
"Manufacturing the telescope structure is one of the biggest steps we will take on our journey to building the Giant Magellan Telescope," said Dr. Shelton, GMTO President.
"We selected MT Mechatronics and Ingersoll Machine Tools for their commitment to quality, extensive experience with astronomical telescopes and abilities to manufacture complex precision structures, following a two-year global competition," added Dr. James Fanson, GMTO Project Manager.
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