Scientific instrument engineering

The equipment needed to make precise astronomical observations is very specialised and, as a result, much of it is specifically designed for individual applications. The Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) has a long history of technical research and development, and is equipped with specialised engineering facilities for astronomical instrumentation. These include a mechanical engineering design office and sophisticated mechanical workshop, an electronic design and manufacturing group, optics design and manufacturing laboratories, and a software group that develops and implements control systems for telescopes, instruments, and data processing.

For many years, these facilities have been producing much of the optical instrumentation used by the school’s telescopes. Even the ANU 2.3m Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory (SSO), was largely designed and constructed in-house. The RSAA has also provided instrument design and construction for a number of international telescopes, including the design and construction of two instruments for the 8m Gemini Observatory telescopes in Hawaii and Chile.

The tradition of technical expertise and development of quality astronomical instrumentation at RSAA has culminated in the Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre (AITC), a world-class facility for developing and testing astronomical instrumentation, small satellites, and space payloads.

Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre

The Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) was developed at Mount Stromlo to replace and upgrade the workshops and instrumentation facilities at the research school that were lost during the 2003 bushfire.

The two-stage building development forms a new space precinct on the mountain that is fast becoming a national hub for the Australian space community, connecting researchers and industry partners from across the country and around the world.

The AITC provides design, manufacturing and testing capabilities for precision optical instruments and state-of-the-art payload development and systems-integration resources. The facility is being used to carry out a research and development program focussing on the next generation of large telescopes, in addition to collaborative space technology projects with research and industry partners. These programs also provide opportunities for higher degree student participation in advanced technical projects.

Read more about the capabilities of the AITC and the variety of advanced technical programs that are currently being undertaken there.