27.10.2025 – The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is one of the most ambitious scientific projects of our time. After its planned commissioning in the year 2030 it will have ten times higher resolution than the Hubble telescope will fundamentally expand our understanding of the universe.
The focus is primarily on earth-like exoplanetswhose atmospheres are to be examined for traces of life.
A central instrument of the GMT is the G-CLEF spectrograph (Giant Magellan Telescope – Large Earth Finder) – a high-precision measuring system that can register even the smallest fluctuations in starlight. In order for such data to be recorded with the required accuracy, the optical components must be positioned in an extremely stable and vibration-free manner.
For this demanding task, the Connova AG from Villmergen (CH) was selected as a technology partner. The Swiss company developed and manufactured Holding frame made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)which remain absolutely dimensionally stable in the high vacuum of the G-CLEF spectrograph even under extreme temperature conditions. absolutely dimensionally stable under extreme temperature conditions.
The design specifications were uncompromising:
Connova set the standard for this with its composites for the aerospace industry on ultra-high modulus carbon fibers in a cyanate ester matrixcombined with INVAR36 components – a nickel-iron material that also has a minimal coefficient of thermal expansion.
From the concept phase, through simulation and design, to production and quality assurance, Connova realized the project entirely in-house.
In collaboration with the University of Bern the components were subjected to extensive tests – including thermal thermal cycles and vacuum tests under realistic conditions.
The lead engineer of the G-CLEF project summed it up aptly:
“We have never seen such flawless composite components – and that didn’t just refer to the surface. The results of the structural tests were simply outstanding.”
With the development and production of the CFRP mirror mounts for M1, M2 and the grid stabilizer Connova is making a decisive contribution to enabling the next generation of astronomical research with the Giant Magellan Telescope.
The project is emblematic of what Connova stands for: Swiss precision, state-of-the-art composite material technology and interdisciplinary cooperation – in an environment that places the highest demands on materials, production and engineering.
The complete technical Case Study “CFRP mirror holder for the Giant Magellan Telescope“ is now available on our website for free download free of charge.
It offers deeper insights into the materials used, test procedures and the development process of this extraordinary project.
This project was also featured in a two-page special publication in the current Composites United (CU) Report presented. We would like to thank the editorial team for including this success story and for providing a valuable platform to make Swiss engineering visible internationally.
