Prototypes of the support mechanisms have been built, and a test rig has been constructed to test the performance of interconnected axial and lateral support mechanisms along with their control systems. The design of the cell structure has been completed, and a request for proposals is being prepared for the steel fabrication work. The thermal management system for the primary mirror consists of two subsystems. The system-level design work for the radiation plate system has been completed by Optics Group staff, and a request for proposals has been issued for detailed design and fabrication of the hardware. We are currently in the final stages of evaluating the proposals.
Developmental testing is in progress on small scale prototypes of the surface heating system.
Dr. David Hagelbarger of NOAO and the Gemini Chief Engineer, Dr. Earl Pearson, have been leading the experimental work. We have received excellent support from NOAO, and they have worked with us to keep the developmental costs low, letting us borrow lab space, prototype mirrors and test equipment, and providing technician support and mirror coating services at modest cost. Our thanks to Larry Daggert and the NOAO engineering staff. These experiments are expected to result in a mature design by the time of the Critical Design Review for the M1 Cell Assembly this summer. M1 Lifting Fixture .