The Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE) telescope mount

The Maunakea Spectroscopic Explorer (MSE) project aims to build a 10-meter class telescopethat will be fully dedicated to spectroscopic exploration of the universe. With an ability to simultaneously measure thousands of objects with a spectral resolution range spanning from 2,500 to 40,000, this one-of-a-kind facility will offer unique scientific opportunities to the astrophysics community in the study of the chemistry and dynamics of the Cosmos. Maunakea is one of the best sites in the world for astronomy and, at the same time, a culturally and environmentally sensitive area. The location of the current 3.6m Canada France Hawaii Telescope(CFHT) is arguably one of the best observation points in Maunakea, and thus, it was resolved to minimize impact on the site by redeveloping the 3.6 meter CFHT Telescopeand using their former facility building and telescopepier to build and host a larger 10-meter class telescopefor the MSE Project. The MSE – CFHT Corporation entrusted IDOM with the Conceptual Design of the MSE Telescope. The telescopedesign developed by IDOM features a novel architecture that combines well-proven and robust technologies, integratedin a telescopeassembly that delivers optomechanicand mechatronic performances exceeding the 10-meter class telescopescurrently in operation. The developed solution offers a very high stiffness-to-mass ratio that leads to optimal seeing performance. It also incorporates a high efficiency seismic protection system and other remarkable features.