On a Cosmic Research Trip: ALMA, ELT, Solar Orbiter,...

Even in the earliest history, humans were incredibly fascinated by space. Cave paintings or the Nebra sky disk bear witness of this. The question, "What are those shimmering colors in the night sky?" developed into the question of how galaxies, stars, and planets developed and will be developing in the future. Scientists try to solve these mysteries with the help of highly sensitive systems, such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array telescope (ALMA), the Solar Orbiter, or, in the future, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT).

Motion and positioning systems with which mirror elements or subreflectors are moved, for example, are crucial factors for the functionality of large telescopes, probes, and experiments. In addition to precision and dynamics, the functioning of the components and subsystems even under extreme environmental conditions is also a crucial requirement - and in outer space projects, also the ability to withstand the high accelerations during rocket launch.

Based on its many years of experience, PI offers extensive know-how and competence in the development and production of suitable solutions. Learn more about the astronomy projects PI is involved in.

JWST: Hexapods in Assembly
James Webb Space Telescope
Since mid-July 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope has been sending breathtaking images from space. Hexapods and linear axes from PI were used several times during the assembly of the JWST.
Learn more
ALMA
ALMA-Array
With their six degrees of freedom in motion, specifically developed hexapods ensure a perfect alignment of the subreflectors onto the detector within the antennas.
Learn more
Extremely Large Telescope
Hybrid actuators position the primary mirror of the world's largest ground-based telescope for the optimal beam path.
Learn more
Mars Rover
Mars Rover analyzing the surface conditions on Mars
Analyzing the surface conditions on Mars: Supporting research of the Red Planet with the help of multilayer piezo actuators in the Curiosity Mars Rover.
Learn more

Do you have questions about our solutions? Our specialists are happy to help you!

Contact us today!
Physik Instrumente Contact