9 metre antenna system
The 9 m Cassegrain radio telescope has a coaxially arranged sub-reflector and a feed horn. It is designed to meet the requirements of two operation modes: a high slew rate of 11 deg/s in azimuth and 5 deg/s in elevation for satellite tracking, and a mechanical construction that ensures high geometric stability for geodetic VLBI. It is constructed for extreme Antarctic conditions. The antenna can withstand wind speeds up to 300 km/h in stow position. Routine antenna operation with maximum wind speeds in gusts up to 180 km/h is no problem. The table accessible via the link at right presents more detailed information on the antenna system parameters