Context:
Recently, an official delegation from the Department of Science and Technology visited Mauna Kea to discuss “challenges” to the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)
- Indian Contribution
Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT):
Objective:
- A 30-meter diameter primary-mirror optical and infrared telescope for deep space observations.
Collaboration:
- Joint effort involving institutions from the U.S., Japan, China, Canada, and India.
Capabilities:
- World’s most advanced ground-based optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared observatory.
- Incorporates innovations in precision control, segmented mirror design, and adaptive optics.
Segmented Mirror:
- Core component with 492 individual segments.
- When aligned, forms a single reflective surface of 30m diameter.
Location:
- Mauna Kea, an inactive volcano on the island of Hawai’i, USA.
Indian Contribution:
Expected Contribution:
- India poised to be a major contributor.
- Contribution includes hardware (segment support assemblies, actuators, edge sensors, segment polishing, and coating), instrumentation (first light instruments), and software (observatory software and telescope control systems).
Monetary Value:
- Indian contribution valued at $200 million.
Consortium Leadership:
- Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP) leads the consortium of Indian institutions involved in the TMT project.
Funding:
- Joint funding by the Departments of Science and Technology and Atomic Energy in India.
-Source: Indian Express
