Observatory Building Design
Each observatory is a purpose-built structure designed specifically for its telescope. Due to the relatively large height of the telescope in this project, a four-story observatory building is planned. Including the dome, the total structure height will be approximately 20.5 meters, providing sufficient space to house the 2-Meter Telescope while minimizing the effects of ground-layer turbulence.
The telescope will be installed on an independent telescope pier, structurally isolated from the observatory foundation and all floor levels to reduce mechanical and human-induced vibrations that could affect observational quality.
The internal layout is designed according to telescope and instrument operational requirements. Special consideration is given to mirror and instrument transportation routes, vertical access between floors, and handling pathways for future primary mirror recoating and large instrument installation. The facility will also include control systems, maintenance equipment, power infrastructure, optical support facilities, and working spaces for personnel.
Planned Floor Functions
1F | Ground Floor
- Vehicle access and unloading area for the primary mirror, large instruments, tools, and heavy equipment
- Heavy support equipment area, including handling systems for primary and secondary mirrors, coating support equipment, and power facilities
- Public utilities such as restrooms and water supply systems
- Vertical circulation access and indoor crane installation space
2F | Control & Storage Level
- Control Room: Main telescope operation and observation control center
- Storage Area: Equipment storage for tools, instrument transport cases, and spare components
3F | Telescope & Instrument Support Level
- Telescope pier interface platform with control and power cable routing areas
- Installation of telescope and dome main control cabinets and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems
- Mechanical Room: Cooling units for instruments with ventilation and exhaust systems for heat removal
- Instrument Support Area: Space for instrument integration, testing, and maintenance
- Optical Adjustment Area: Workspace for optical alignment, inspection, measurement, and cleaning operations
4F | Telescope Chamber
- Telescope operational area and dome installation platform
- Indoor working platforms supporting Nasmyth focus operations
- Large ventilation shutters to enable rapid thermal equilibrium between indoor and outdoor environments
