October 12, 2022 - Rubin Observatory’s LSST Camera is having a moment, and it’s one that’s getting lots of media attention. Although the camera isn’t fully complete yet, all of its mechanical components are now together for the first time—in one photogenic structure. The team at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory facilitated media visits to the clean room while the camera is positioned so that visitors can see its impressive focal plane (which contains 189 CCDs) through the camera’s lenses. In total, the SLAC team hosted 21 visitors from 14 outlets in September, representing a range of media interests—local, national, science, print, radio, video and TV.
When they’re not answering questions about the 3200 megapixel camera that will take images for Rubin Observatory’s 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time, the team at SLAC is testing the camera shutter and the filter exchange system, two dynamic components that were also recently installed.
Before the end of the year, the camera will undergo one final modification: the installation of an updated refrigeration system. At that point the camera will be complete and ready for final testing before it ships to Chile in May of 2023.
Recent media stories featuring the LSST Camera:
