Nearly all of the optical elements are complete, the vacuum vessel is ready for its first vacuum test, and most mechanisms are machined. NIRI will be the commissioning instrument for the Gemini North telescope, which is currently on schedule for first light in late 1998.
All optics are on order, except for the gratings.
A test dewar is nearing completion, and will be used to test the larger mechanisms. A few design items not covered at the CDR were closed out at an interim review in April. Two very good science grade arrays have been produced so far, so the program was placed on hold temporarily to increase the odds of obtaining even better devices in the future. NOAO conducted the acceptance test of the NIRI IR controller in July. Gemini personnel used the controller in Tucson to familiarize themselves with its operation, then the NIRI controller was shipped to Hawaii in August.