Connova supplies high-precision CFRP components for the Giant Magellan Telescope

Connova supplies high-precision CFRP components for the Giant Magellan Telescope. Source | Connova

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), a highly ambitious scientific project that is scheduled for commissioning in 2030, will feature 10 times higher resolution than the Hubble Space Telescope, aiming to fundamentally expand our understanding of the universe by examining Earth-like exoplanets for traces of life. A central instrument of the GMT is the G-CLEF (Giant Magellan Telescope – Large Earth Finder) spectrography, supported by technology partner Connova AG’s (Villmergen, Switzerland) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) holding frames.

The G-CLEF is a high-precision measuring system requiring ultra-stable, vibration-free optical component positioning to register the smallest fluctuations in starlight. Connova’s developed and manufactured holding frames meet this exacting demand, remaining 100% dimensionally stable in the high vacuum of the G-CLEF spectrograph, even under extreme temperature conditions.

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Design specifications included:

• Almost zero thermal expansion (CTE ≈ 0 K-¹).
• Maximum rigidity with minimum weight.
• Long-term structural stability.
• No outgassing in a vacuum.

Connova achieved this by using ultra-high modulus carbon fibers in a cyanate ester matrix, combined with INVAR36 components — a nickel-iron material known for its minimal coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).

Realized entirely in-house by Connova, from concept and simulation to production, the components were subjected to rigorous thermal cycles and vacuum tests in collaboration with the University of Bern (Switzerland). The results spoke for themselves: “We have never seen such flawless composite components — and that didn’t just refer to the surface,” says the lead engineer of the G-CLEF project. “The results of the structural tests were simply outstanding.”

By providing the CFRP mirror mounts for M1, M2 and the grid stabilizer, Connova is making a decisive contribution to the next generation of astronomical research. A complete technical case study is available for download on Connova’s website, and the project was recently highlighted in a publication in the Composites United (CU) Report.

Connova Group is a European Tier 1 supplier and contract manufacturer for advanced composite solutions. With decades of Swiss engineering expertise, Connova specializes in the complete value chain of high-performance carbon and glass fiber (CFRP, GFRP) components, from prototyping and toolmaking to high-volume serial production. The group serves demanding industries including aerospace and space, medical technology, high-end motorsport, robotics, automation and precision options. Its commitment to excellence is trusted by global industry leaders, with a proven track record of successful projects for lients such as the ESA, Pilatus, Porsche, Huber+Suhner, Haug Sauer Compressors, Gietz and more.