NASAS Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) space telescope is one step closer to its 1998 launch. NAVLs HVP (High Value Products) division and C & D Moving & Storage of Brookfield, Connecticut, recently completed a year-long project transporting the telescopes optical elements.

The lenses for the telescope are made and polished in Danbury, Connecticut. The eight concentric cylinders of glass were transported to California for a highly specialized X-ray reflective coating, and carried to Rochester, New York for assembly and testing. Since each of the lenses has an estimated value of $120 million and is virtually irreplaceable, they were transported individually in special containers by a NAVL climate-controlled van.

One additional safeguard involved driving 600 miles out of route to avoid mountain passes during the winter months.

Adds Lawler "The project just shows that NAVL HVP can do anything. Whatever the product, wherever it needs to go, and however it needs to get there, we can do it."