Birth of a colossus on wheels

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Artists rendering of an ALMA antenna being transported from the base camp to the 5000 meter high observing site. The transporter can move with a maximum speed of 12 kilometers per hour when loaded with a 115-ton antenna. Credit: ESO
Artist's rendering of an ALMA antenna being transported from the base camp to the 5000 meter high observing site. The transporter can move with a maximum speed of 12 kilometers per hour when loaded with a 115-ton antenna. Credit: ESO

The first of two spectacular vehicles for the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) Observatory rolled out of its hangar and passed successfully a series of tests. This vehicle, the ALMA antenna transporter, is a rather exceptional 'lorry' driving on 28 tyres. It is 10m wide, 20m long and 6m high, weighs 130 tons and has as much power as two Formula 1 engines. This colossus will be able to transport a 115-ton antenna and set it down on a concrete pad within millimetres of a prescribed position.


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