Case Studies and Videos
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. National Solar Observatory
The world's largest telescope for solar research
"The primary advantage of using SolidWorks on this project is being able to make solid models, assemble them, and check clearences and operations of the telescope before going to construction bids."
- Bill Schoening, Design Engineer
VAR: DDI
The Challenge
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA) provides support for research in solar astronomy and operates the National Solar Observatory (NSO). The organization is the national center for astronomical research in the United States and is designing what will be the world's largest telescope for solar research. SolidWorks was chosen as the best program to do this project.
The Solution
The primary advantage of using SolidWorks on this project is being able to make solid models, assemble them, and check clearences and operations of the telescope before going to construction bids. This project is still in the design phase with actual construction to begin in 2008-09 pending funding approval by the National Science Foundation.
- Industry: Education
- Previous CAD: AutoCAD
