Optomechanics and Astronomy

In the field of Astronomy, SENER is recognized for its ability to carry out multidisciplinary projects in optomechanics, large mobile structures, instrumentation including optics, mechanics, electronics and SW and actuators and Infrastructure control. These activities are developed in parallel for space missions and land-based astronomy telescopes.

SENER's work in Astronomy encompasses: 

• Active optics: SENER is an industry leader in opto-mechanical positioning systems for large mirrors for telescopes. The company specializes in developing high-performance custom actuating systems for all types of mirrors, including large and heavy mirrors (positioned in five degrees of freedom, featuring hexapods with micron-level precision and tip-tilt mechanisms for field correction and infra-red observation).
• Optical systems: from structural elements and devices for optical and focal plane subsystems to complete optical systems, including optical correctors with 1m lens barrels and space telescopes designed for observing the earth.
• Systems for telescopes: From the design and deployment of large high-precision mobile structures to the development of moving devices and focal plane co-rotators
• Electromechanical components and systems.
• Instrumentation systems: for scientific facilities and space missions, including Synchrotron irradiation facilities. In addition, SENER offers engineering support for experimental beamline users who need to develop custom instruments for their stations. Its extensive knowledge and proven work experience can be seen in leading European facilities, such as the ALBA Synchrotron and in other High-Energy Physics research groups. 

In the area of positioning systems, SENER's services include: 

• Opto-mechanical and electronic design.
• Optical design
• Control software.
• Analysis and simulation.
• Manufacturing.
• Sub-contracting of the mirrors.
• Assembly and integration.
• Equipment validation and testing with optical instrumentation in seismically isolated facilities.

SENER has a broad portfolio of projects that attest to the quality of its solutions and includes clients such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and the Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute (IAC). Solutions contributed by SENER can be found in: