Three Japanese 12-m antennas arrived at the ALMA site in Chile

Three Japanese 12-meter antennas were shipped from Tamashima Port in Okayama, Japan to Mejillones Port in northern Chile, after completing the manufacturing process in Japan. The antennas arrived in Chile on July 13, and after passing through customs clearance, they were transported to the OSF (Operations Support Facility at 2900-meter altitude) and arrived there on July 22. For the transportation, the antennas were disassembled into large mount part and other main reflector components that were packed in containers. Massive antenna mounts were loaded on heavy haul trailers and traveled slowly the distance of about 400 km from the port to the OSF over a week. From now on, on-site reassembly and adjustment will be started; the assembly of three 12-m antennas will be completed in September 2007.

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