Infrastructure project (I): Technical Section

Project description

The infrastructure project is called "Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities for Astronomical Instrumentation Projects at AIP" and is being carried out by Technical Section.

What is it about?

One of the main activities of the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) is the development and construction of state-of-the-art astronomical instruments for large optical telescopes. The AIP's portfolio focuses on optical spectroscopic instruments and robotic telescopes, but also includes space-based projects. The AIP can look back on a long list of successfully commissioned, predominantly terrestrial high-tech instruments.

Astrophysical research places the highest technical demands on the instruments developed, at the limits of what is technically feasible. The instruments developed are the basis for gaining knowledge in almost all areas of modern astrophysics.

Objectives of the project

The transfer of knowledge from basic research offers unique innovation potential, which is often accompanied by technological challenges that cannot be overcome by small and medium-sized enterprises alone. In order to meet these challenges and successfully develop prototypes, access to a pool of state-of-the-art equipment is indispensable. Last but not least, the possibility for the AIP to participate in national and international instrumentation projects is determined by the technical capabilities available at the institute.

Within the framework of this project, production equipment necessary for the construction of the latest astronomical instruments will be procured and put into operation.

Who is funding the project and how much?

This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the state of Brandenburg. The funding is provided in the form of partial financing amounting to 80% of the eligible expenditure as a grant. The maximum amount of the grant is limited to EUR 303,074.42.

How long does the project run?

• Implementation period: 12.08.2021 to 30.09.2022 (extended until 31.12.2022)
• Grant period: 12.08.2021 to 31.03.2023

Status of the project's procurements

All procurements related to this project were completed. The funds raised were used for the following procurements:

• CNC Milling machine
  • Call for tenders: 27.08.2021-17.09.2021
  • Order placed: 04.11.2021
  • Commissioning of the equipment: 31.03.2022
• PCB milling machine
  • Call for tenders: 01.09.2021-30.09.2021 (extended until 14.10.2021)
  • Order placed: 23.12.2021
  • Commissioning of the equipment: 20.04.2022
• 3D scanner
  • Call for tenders: 07.01.2022-03.02.2022
  • Order placed: 02.03.2022
  • Commissioning of the equipment: 02.08.2022
• Vapour phase reflow soldering machine
  • Order placed: 18.01.2022
  • Commissioning of the equipment: 01.06.2022
• 3D printer
  • Call for tenders: 21.02.2022-17.03.2022
  • Order placed: 28.03.2022
  • Commissioning of the equipment: 10.-11.05.2022
• System for optomechanical characterisation of lens systems with autocollimator
  • Call for tenders: 21.02.2022-23.03.2022
  • Negotiated award: 31.03.2022-08.04.2022
  • Commissioning of the equipment: 25.10.2022
• Oil-free vacuum pump
  • Order placed: 02.03.2022
  • Commissioning of the equipment: 14.06.2022
• Turbopumping station
  • Order placed: 09.03.2022
  • Commissioning of the equipment: 24.05.2022

Project website: http://efre.brandenburg.de

Press report: MAZ, 19.04.2022 (online), MAZ, 20.04.2022 (print)