Connecting the Yoke

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Connecting the Yoke

Although fitted on the ground, the nearly 3 million pound yoke of our 140-foot dish telescope could not be lifted into place fully assembled. The yoke supports the telescope’s tilt axis and keeps the giant 43-meter dish telescope balanced as it arcs across the sky. Pacific Crane and Rigging Company completing the finalassembly of the yoke components (made by Sun Shipbuilding) to the hub section (built and machined by Westinghouse). The hub section consists of a 3.5% nickel steel casting welded to 6 inch, A 201 plate for a finished machined weight of 190 tons. When completed the entire yoke is a single weldment, all welds inspected by radiograph.

Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.