Balancing the Elevation Structure

This time-lapse video was recorded on February 15 during balancing operations of the Telescope Mount Assembly (TMA) elevation structure at the Asturfeito factory in Spain. During these tests, the elevation structure was floating on oil and moved using two manual winches. During the next six weeks, subcontractors from all over Europe will meet in the Asturfeito factory to install the support equipment necessary to move the telescope under computer control. Those attending will include specialists in motors, encoders, chillers, cable management systems, and servo control.