Corning and L3Harris Construct Largest Convex Mirror in Operation for Rubin Observatory

Advanced Optics

Corning and L3Harris Construct Largest Convex Mirror in Operation for Rubin Observatory

Corning and L3Harris Construct Largest Convex Mirror in Operation for Rubin Observatory

CORNING, N.Y. | Corning Incorporated | August 12, 2024

The 11-foot-wide glass mirror, made by Corning in Canton and finished by L3Harris in Rochester, will help provide the deepest views of the universe to date

CORNING, N.Y. - Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) announce the successful installation of a jointly-produced 11-foot-wide, 1,500-pound glass mirror onto NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. The mirror, designed and produced in New York State, is the largest convex mirror now in operation.

The Rubin Observatory is one step closer to capturing images of outer space that will allow scientists to identify 10 to 100 times more objects in the solar system, including harmful asteroids. It will also provide scientists with data that could answer some of the most pressing questions about the universe.

"Corning is proud of its nearly 20-year collaboration with the L3Harris and Rubin Observatory team," said Claude Echahamian, Vice President & General Manager, Corning Advanced Optics. "As part of our latest collaboration, Corning's highly skilled team in New York manufactured a cutting-edge telescope mirror made of Corning^® ULE^® Glass (Ultra-Low Expansion Glass) glass that will enable crystal clear views of deep space and help scientists reveal millions of previously unknown Solar System objects with more details than ever before."

Corning produced the mirror in Canton, N.Y., using ULE glass, a titania-silicate glass material invented by Corning in the 1960s with near-zero expansion characteristics - critical to ensuring the telescope keeps its focus. The company tapped into a century of experience in large-aperture telescope fabrication to create the complex, innovative technology.

Then, L3Harris fine-ground, polished and finished the mirror in Rochester, N.Y., which is key to the telescope's performance. L3Harris also designed and built the secondary-mirror assembly, which consists of a stiff-steel mounting plate, 72 axial and six tangent actuators, the mirror-cell electronics and sensors, a thermal control system, and the mirror-control system.

The collaboration between Corning and L3Harris is the latest feat for New York's cutting-edge optics, photonics, and imaging industry - putting New York technology on the global stage.

"For nearly six decades we have designed and constructed high-end optical systems for space and ground applications. This work continues with the world's largest active secondary mirror system, built for Rubin Observatory," said Charles Clarkson, Vice President and General Manager, Imaging Systems, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. "With this milestone, we are closer to pushing scientific frontiers and charting the universe like never before, and we look forward to the science that will be discovered."

Thanks to funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, Rubin Observatory will offer the most comprehensive view of the universe from the Southern Hemisphere than all previous ground-based telescopes combined. The observatory is expected to be fully operational in 2025.

To learn more about Corning's deep commitment to demanding astronomy applications visit: Telescope Mirror Blanks and Lens Blanks | Corning.

About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a 170-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.