First Stage Reflector Lift
November 8, 2005 :
The first stage of the reflector lift has been completed!
This movement of the reflector was performed to place it next to the alidade.
As you can see, the weather became very foggy and there was even snow during
the procedure.
The cranes now need to be reconfigured to lift the reflector
into the air and install it
on the alidade. The lifting rig was tested and the weight of the
reflector, without walkways, was measured to be 444 tons. Total
weight, with walkways installed, was predicted to be about 458
tons. The estimated date for the final lift is November 17.