Design and Realization of the LST Main Structure for the Cherenkov Telescope Array

T. Schweizer; J. Eder; H. Wetteskind; C. Jablonski; R. Stadler; R. Mirzoyan; D. Paneque; T. Masahiro; A. Fiasson; N. Geffroy; G. Deleglise; O. Blanch; J. Mundet; R. Garcia; A. J. Penuela Lopez

arXiv · 2608.15204

Design and Realization of the LST Main Structure for the Cherenkov Telescope Array

T. Schweizer·J. Eder·H. Wetteskind·C. Jablonski·R. Stadler·R. Mirzoyan·D. Paneque·T. Masahiro·A. Fiasson·N. Geffroy·G. Deleglise·O. Blanch·J. Mundet·R. Garcia·A. J. Penuela Lopez

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Abstract

The 23 m diameter Large Size Cherenkov Telescope (LST) for CTA, located at 2250 m a.s.l. on the Canary Island of La Palma, is the next-generation Cherenkov telescope following MAGIC, H.E.S.S., and VERITAS. To enable rapid repositioning (180{\deg} in 18 s) for gamma-ray burst observations, the mechanical structure was designed to be ultra- lightweight (110 tons). The space-frame structure consists of slender struts made of carbon fibre, aluminium (dish and camera mast), and steel. The telescope is designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions at the ORM observatory on La Palma, including wind speeds up to 200 km/h, uplift forces, and ice loads of up to 30 tons. We present the structural design developed to meet these functional and environmental requirements. MPP Munich is responsible for the telescope's mechanical structure together with partner institutes in France (LAPP) and Spain (IFAE). The prototype, LST-1, has been operational since 2019, and three additional LSTs are curre1ntly under construction.

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T. Schweizer, J. Eder, H. Wetteskind, C. Jablonski, R. Stadler, R. Mirzoyan, D. Paneque, T. Masahiro, A. Fiasson, N. Geffroy, G. Deleglise, O. Blanch, J. Mundet, R. Garcia, A. J. Penuela Lopez. 2026-08-15. Design and Realization of the LST Main Structure for the Cherenkov Telescope Array. https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.15204

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