BIG SCIENCE
Asturfeito is a world leader provider of custom assemblies and turnkey projects for both astronomical and large research facilities. Our commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement are key drivers of our operations performance. We offer high-precision machining and utilize the most reliable welding methods, ensuring excellence and reliability in all our projects. We manage the entire value chain, from engineering to on-site assembly.
Asturfeito specializes in the construction of telescopes and antennas, delivering fully integrated systems tailored to the specific needs of astronomical research. We offer solutions that range from small precision components to large-scale systems, handling every step from design for manufacturing to final site assembly, ensuring optimal performance and required precision for universe research.
ATACAMA LARGE MILLIMETER/
SUBMILLIMETER ARRAY (ALMA)
- It is the largest radio telescope in the world.
- Atacama Desert, 5000 meters above sea level, in Chile.
- Study of regions of the universe where stars are born.
- Composed of 66 high-precision antennas.
- Helps us understand the early universe and our cosmic origins.
Photo credits: C. Malin (ALMA/ESO) / Clem y Adri Bacri-Normier (ALMA/ESO) / Pablo Bello (ALMA/ESO) / Pablo Carrillo –(ALMA/ESO)
Large-Sized Telescope (LST) for Cherenkov Telescope Array
- Detects high-energy gamma rays from space to study extreme cosmic phenomena, like supermassive black holes or supernovas.
- Features a 23-meter diameter mirror.
- Weighs approximately 100 tons.
- Repositions in less than 20 seconds.
- Located in La Palma (Spain) and Chile, detects gamma rays with energies below 100 GeV.
Photo credits: Tomohiro Inada, Iván Jiménez (IAC), CTAO gGmbH, Gabriel Pérez Díaz (IAC).
Large-Sized Telescope (LST) for Cherenkov Telescope Array
- Detects high-energy gamma rays from space to study extreme cosmic phenomena, like supermassive black holes or supernovas.
- Features a 23-meter diameter mirror.
- Weighs approximately 100 tons.
- Repositions in less than 20 seconds.
- Located in La Palma (Spain) and Chile, detects gamma rays with energies below 100 GeV.
The Vera C.Rubin Observatory (LSST)
- Located on Cerro Pachón at 2,682 meters altitude, Chile.
- Equipped with a 3200 megapixel digital camera.
- Performs the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, a 10-year survey covering more than half of the sky.
- It allows observing celestial objects that change or move, such as supernovae and near-Earth asteroids.
- It provides data on billions of galaxies, aiding in the study of dark matter and dark energy.
Asturfeito provides bespoke assemblies and turnkey solutions for large research facilities, supporting a wide array of scientific endeavors, from large particle research facilities to the most advanced nuclear fusion programmes. Our comprehensive services cover the entire project lifecycle, including engineering, manufacturing, testing , and site assembly, to ensure the facility meets the highest standards required for cutting-edge scientific research.
- Large Cryostats
- Hot Cell Equipment
- Heavy Precision Structures
- Remote Handling Equipment
- Complex Motion Systems
- Shield Doors and Hatches
- Shielded Transfer and Storage Containers
- Pressure and Vacuum Vessels
- Mock-ups and Test Systems
- Large Cryostats
- Hot Cell Equipment
- Heavy Precision Structures
- Remote Handling Equipment
- Complex Motion Systems
- Shield Doors and Hatches
- Shielded Transfer and Storage Containers
- Pressure and Vacuum Vessels
- Mock-ups and Test Systems
Located in Lund, Sweden, ESS is a scientific facility intended to be the world’s most powerful neutron source. Using a linear accelerator to fire protons at a tungsten target, ESS will produce neutrons for research in physics, chemistry, biology and advanced materials. ESS is expected to significantly boost scientific and technological progress in Europe and the world. Below you will find some of the equipment we provided for this scientific facility.
INNER SHIELDING SYSTEM FOR ESS
TARGET MONOLITH
- Over 700 tonnes of stainless steel blocks
- Integrated cooling systems
- Provides critical protection against radiation
- Ensures safety and operational efficiency of the facility
PROTON BEAM PLUG STRUCTURE
PROTON BEAM PLUG STRUCTURE
- Is a key structure in the ESS performance.
- The proton beam plug evaluates the proton properties for its study.
- Stainless steel & low cobalt SS.
- High precision machining.
- Shielding with cooling channels, provides radiation protection and thermal management.
FREIA Roof Hatch
- Designed, manufactured and installed by Asturfeito
- Stainless steel and concrete construction
- Radiation shielding system
- Ensures structural integrity and operational safety of the facility
