November 10, 2005 – ITT and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) today announced the inauguration of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the largest single telescope in the southern hemisphere. SALT incorporates ITT mirror segment technology that allows scientists to record distant stars, galaxies and quasars a billion times too faint to be seen with the unaided eye. In conjunction with this program, ITT announced the donation of 20 amateur telescopes and software to historically disadvantaged schools in South Africa.

An international collaboration consisting of partners from the United States, South Africa, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, SALT is a ground-based spectroscopic survey telescope operated by the SAAO, based outside Sutherland in South Africa’s Northern Cape. ITT provided 94 one-meter hexagonal, spherical surface primary mirror segments— the heart of the telescope's optical system—to the SAAO, thus successfully completing the $1.9M SALT primary mirror segment fabrication contract.

SALT is the most recent in a series of large-scale, segmented primary mirror observatory projects that ITT has worked on over the past twenty years. With the successful completion of the SALT primary mirror, ITT has distinguished itself as a premier provider of segmented mirror components for the international astronomical community.

"The SALT program's primary mission is to provide South African and international scientists a vehicle to conduct world-class astronomy research," said Jim Manchisi, President, ITT Space Systems Division. "ITT’s involvement with the SALT telescope reinforces our commitment to creating cutting-edge technologies that further human progress. We are very excited to be involved in this program and with the educational development of South African students."

ITT is donating 20 telescopes and software that will provide mathematical and science education opportunities for select primary and secondary schools in South Africa. ITT is also providing a high-quality 12" Meade LX200 telescope for permanent display in the SALT Visitors Centre. This high-powered telescope will enable visitors to observe celestial objects with superior levels of resolution and image brightness.

"These ITT-donated telescopes will greatly contribute to the astronomy programs of our Northern and Western Cape schools," said Peter Martinez, acting head of the SALT collateral benefits programme for the South African Astronomical Observatory. "ITT has played a critical role in the development of the Southern African Large Telescope, and we greatly appreciate the company’s contribution to our education system."

For more information:
Natasha Haubold
1-703-790-6300
natasha.haubold@itt.com

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