ASTRI Mini-Array is one of the most ambitious projects in ground-based gamma-ray astronomy. ASTRI (Astronomia a Specchi a Tecnologia Replicante Italiana) is a project of the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) for gamma-ray astronomy. The ASTRI Mini-Array is composed of 9 dual-mirror Schwarzschild-Couder Cherenkov telescopes installed at the astronomical site of the Teide Observatory, on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), one of the best observing sites in the world. In this context, the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics INAF asked us to install one of our OUTPOST 3M domes to host a Lidar instrument that will be used for the calibration of ASTRI. Protecting this instrument in a reliable way, in a high mountain environment exposed to wind, sun and temperature changes, is therefore an essential requirement for the operation of the entire array.

The dome arrives on site, where a concrete base had already been prepared in advance. On the left the crane truck ready for handling, on the right the circular base already prepared to receive the structure. In the background you can see the other structures of the Teide Observatory.

The two halves of the dome are moved onto the concrete base with a crane truck. The operator guides the lowering of the first half onto the base, while our team positions it with precision.

The two halves are joined together. Here there is an important detail. OUTPOST 3M was specifically designed to be assembled and tested at our headquarters in Italy, and then shipped all over the world pre-assembled and divided in only 2 parts. This makes the installation service simpler and safer, even in remote places like this one, because most of the complex work has already been done and verified in the factory.

The insulating sheath is prepared under the dome. Together with a double layer of silicone, internal and external, this ensures the perfect contact and the insulation between the concrete base and the dome structure. It is a step that protects the instrument inside from infiltrations and humidity.

The dome is fixed to the concrete base with perimeter anchors. Working from the inside, the structure is anchored point by point along the entire perimeter, to ensure stability even with strong wind.

The technical compartment is installed, designed to contain internal instrumentation, also in rack format. This dedicated space allows you to keep the support electronics protected and well organized.

The service door is installed, equipped with a handle with safety lock. The door allows access to the inside of the dome for the maintenance of the instrument.

After completing the motorized opening and closing tests of the dome, here is the celebratory photo of the PrimaLuceLab Installation Team with the project managers. The OUTPOST 3M dome is now fully operational and ready to host the Lidar.

The overall view of some telescopes of the ASTRI array, with the OUTPOST 3M dome in the center. From here you can clearly understand the role of the dome in the context of the entire project, surrounded by the telescopes and the structures of the Teide Observatory.

We are proud to have contributed with our OUTPOST 3M dome to a scientific project of this level. Working alongside INAF, in one of the best astronomical sites in the world, confirms that our solutions are ready to face the challenges of professional research, even in the most remote places.