Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet)

The KMTNet Observatory sponsored by The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), is three wide-field equatorial mount telescopes of 1.6 meter aperture and enclosures designed to conduct continuous observations of the Galactic bulge region to search for extra-solar planets. Each telescope and observatory is to be located in three different sites around the world.

The telescope design, fabrication, integration was completed in Tucson, Arizona inside a prototype KMTnet Observatory. This was to ensures proper ft-up, alignment and mount testing prior to shipping to the remote project sites worldwide.

The enclosure and dome are designed as a kit that is shipped in containers and assembled on site. The observatory structure is designed for the worst environmental condition of the three sites, therefore one design meets all three sites environmental conditions. The observatory orientation is adjusted per site’s access and prevailing wind direction assuring that the telescope is upwind from the control building.

M3 designed the telescope structure, observatory and control building and collaborated closely with the optical and controls software group during the commissioning and mount testing. Telescopes are operational at all sites, including Chile, South Africa, and Australia.