With a primary mirror diameter of 39 m, the world’s largest optical and near‑infrared telescope is being built on Cerro Armazones in Chile – the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). This groundbreaking project of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) will allow unprecedented insights into the depths of the Universe. Fastening and system solutions, together with accompanying engineering and BIM services from fischer, ensure the safe and efficient installation of the piping systems of the building services (MEP).

The ELT – the world’s largest optical and near‑infrared telescope – is being constructed on Cerro Armazones in Chile at 3,060 m above sea level. It is located about 130 km south of the coastal city of Antofagasta and approximately 20 km from the Very Large Telescope (VLT), another ESO facility, on Cerro Paranal. Groundwork for ESO’s ELT began in 2014; scientific operations are planned to start after 2030.

For this new project, the steel construction company Cimolai S.p.A. (Pordenone, Friuli Venezia Giulia) developed the design, construction, and installation of the dome as well as the main structure as the lead company of a consortium. In this context, fastening and system solutions from fischer are being used on behalf of Cimolai S.p.A. Together with fischer’s accompanying engineering and BIM services, the products ensure the safe and efficient installation of the building services piping systems.

Continuing space exploration 
The goal of the project is to advance the observation and research of exoplanets, early galaxies, and cosmic dark matter. Equipped with state‑of‑the‑art technology, the telescope sets new standards in astronomical research. Adaptive optics correct atmospheric distortions in real time. Six laser guide stars serve as artificial reference points in the sky and enable extremely precise image alignment. The system is complemented by highly advanced scientific instruments, specifically developed for observing faint and distant celestial objects.

As a 39-metre telescope, the ELT will gather 15 times more light than the largest optical telescopes operating today. It will also provide images 15 times sharper than those from the Hubble Space Telescope — one of the most important facilities in space exploration. This provides an unprecedented look into the depths of the Universe — up to the earliest galaxies after the Big Bang.

The ELT is a ground‑based telescope system for optical and infrared observations. The primary mirror has a diameter of 39 m and is made up of 798 hexagonal segments. All mirror segments can be precisely aligned using sensors and actuators. The ELT has a giant rotating dome, with a slit opening to allow for observations. The protective encloser is about 93 m in diameter and about 80 m high. The overall building is built to withstand major earthquakes. Both the dome pier and the auxiliary building rest on shock absorbers to dampen earthquake vibrations.

Secure fastening technology for the project of the century
fischer installation systems are used for securing the pipelines and tubes of the ELT. These include heating, cooling, sanitary, ventilation, and sprinkler systems as well as the supply of compressed air, gas, and specialty media. Along with installation systems, suitable fasteners are used — such as concrete screws, bolt anchors, and the fischer injection system FIS EM Plus with anchor rods. The fastening specialist has also developed a slip‑and‑fixed‑point system for the ELT that meets the high technical requirements of the project. Accompanying engineering and BIM services support the successful dimensioning and design of the products and systems.

“Being a fastening specialist offering the most cost‑efficient package of complete solutions and engineering services from a single source convinces our customers,” emphasizes Luca Zordan, Sales Engineering Manager & Project Business Sales Manager at fischer Italy. Chiara Dalle Nogare, Technical Sales Account Project Business at fischer Italy, adds: “The possibilities also extend to project‑specific solutions tailored to the ELT’s MEP applications, such as the slip‑and‑fixed‑point system, which allows movements of the extensive pipe systems under thermal load or external effects with ease.” Dr. Matthias Bruhnke, Head of fischer Construction Engineering GmbH, underlines: “Besides the suitable fastening solutions, we offer our customers 360° services throughout, which support successful planning and execution. We will continue to stand by our clients until the successful completion of the ELT.”