The Vera C. Rubin Observatory (NSF–DOE) is transforming our view of the cosmos by using the largest camera ever built to scan the night sky over ten years, creating an ultra-high-definition, wide-field record of the universe. In its first year, it is expected to detect more asteroids than all current telescopes combined.
This wealth of data will help scientists better understand the universe, track its evolution, explore dark energy and dark matter, and answer questions yet to be imagined. On June 23, the observatory released its first images at an international event. The Basque technology center Tekniker, part of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), has made a key contribution to the project.
Tekniker has been responsible for designing, manufacturing, testing, and commissioning the observatory’s 400-ton telescope mount, particularly its control systems. These systems enable the large mirror—about the size of a tennis court—to be positioned quickly and without vibrations for precise sky scanning.
The Tekniker team supported installation, calibration, and fine-tuning to maximize telescope availability and ensure clear astronomical imaging. Their work involved integrating the protective dome, active mirrors that adjust for clear images, and temperature controls to prevent image distortion. As researcher Alberto Izpizua notes, all components must work perfectly together to avoid blurred images.
Tekniker also optimized the software and control algorithms for precise movement, allowing the telescope to complete a full rotation in 36 seconds or move so slowly that a rotation would take over 114 years. They improved the camera’s rotation system by replacing the trajectory generator and updating the motion controller.
Additionally, Tekniker developed the camera’s cable rotator, a device that carefully manages cables and pipes during camera rotation to avoid interference. Today, Tekniker uses a proprietary digital twin to test software updates before applying them to the telescope, saving time and preventing errors to ensure smooth operation.
