The factory of the future for the world's most powerful telescope | Safran

In the world of space observation, telescopes require larger and larger mirrors to monitor stars. Indeed, a large mirror will be able to collect more light and therefore better observe faint objects and celestial bodies. This is why Safran has inaugurated a brand new 4.0 factory designed to manufacture the primary mirror segments for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), expected to be the most powerful telescope in the world.

Its primary mirror, which will collect light for the telescope, is formed from 798 segments and has a diameter of 39 meters (128 feet). These segments will be manufactured by Safran Electronics & Defense on a brand new production line featuring several robots and automated production cells, to ensure fast, precise and dependable operations for polishing of blanks.

Each segment will be polished and then mounted on substrates, to the accuracy of less than a few nanometers in other words, a surface defect smaller than a ladybug if each segment were as large as France !

Watch the best moments & interviews from the plant's opening ceremony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Ypw8TnM_8

Find more information about Safran Electronics & Defense
https://www.safran-electronics-defense.com

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Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Our core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. With our skilled workforce operating on all continents, we are fully dedicated to create and develop tomorrows most innovative technological and industrial solutions.