ALMA first antenna move

30 September, 2009 / Read time: 1 minute

This video shows the first ALMA antenna movement, performed in September 2009 by one of the giant trucks.

In this 13-minute video, we can see the process of lifting, moving and descending the 100-ton antenna, along with beautiful postcards of the nature that the Chilean altiplano offers during the transporter's journey.

ALMA has 2 of these vehicles (Otto and Lore), unique in the world, and designed to transport the antennas safely and efficiently. Either to rearrange their configuration at the observing site, or to move them between the Operations Support Facility (OSF) and the Array Operations Site (AOS), as shown in the video.

Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)