Largest convex mirror constructed by Corning and L3Harris in Rochester

Corning and L3Harris have collaborated to create the largest convex mirror, advancing scientific efforts to identify more objects in the solar system. The 11-foot, 1,500-pound mirror was installed at the Rubin Observatory in Chile. Corning manufactured the mirror using a specialized titania-silicate glass, known for its near-zero expansion properties, ensuring the telescope maintains its focus. L3Harris polished, finished, and assembled the mirror in Rochester, integrating it with a sophisticated mounting and control system. This achievement showcases New York’s technological capabilities on a global scale and will aid in observing celestial objects, including potentially harmful asteroids. The project was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, with the observatory set to be fully operational by 2025.

Source: Rochester First