Mayekawa announced that it installed its N2K Chiller project to support the TAO, the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory, project.

The company said it helped solve one of the most significant challenges in the construction of the TAO telescope, which was controlling the temperature of the primary mirror. To ensure accurate observations and minimize thermal distortions, the N2K Chiller, which was developed by Mayekawa, was installed.

The ground-based refrigeration system maintains the thermal stability of the space, which also optimizes performance, allowing high-precision astronomical investigations.

The telescope consists of two scientific instruments designed to explore the infrared universe: SWIMS and MIMIZUKU. SWIMS focuses on photographing galaxies, investigating their formation while MIMIZUKU is dedicated to the study of primordial disks around stars where planets are born.

“The TAO Project on the ground represents a technological and scientific advance, as well as an example of international cooperation and excellence in astronomical research. Its strategic location on the Cerro Chainantor in Chile, combined with an advanced cooling system for the primary mirror, stands out as a significant achievement in the search for high-precision astronomical observations, free from thermal distortions that could compromise the quality of the collected data,” the company said. “We are proud to contribute to this innovative project and excited about future revelations that will bring humanity.”