Pietro Schipani

National Institute for Astrophysics, Astronomical Observatory of Capodimonte

Papers

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About

Pietro Schipani is a leading figure in astronomical instrumentation, with a primary focus on active optics and the precise mechanical control of large telescope systems. His research centers on the development and implementation of parallel robots—specifically hexapods—to correct critical optical aberrations like defocus and coma in ground-based telescopes. Schipani’s major contributions are most evident in his work on the Very Large Telescope Survey Telescope (VST), where he designed and validated the secondary mirror support and positioning system. This system, using a hexapod with six degrees of freedom, allows for real-time, high-precision adjustments that are fundamental to the telescope’s active optics control. His most cited paper, "Active optics control of VST telescope secondary mirror" (2010, 21 citations), details this application, while his earlier work, "The VST secondary mirror support system" (2008, 18 citations), lays the groundwork for the system’s design. Through his theoretical and experimental studies, Schipani has demonstrated how parallel robots can be effectively integrated into telescope active optics, directly enhancing image quality for astronomical surveys. His work represents a crucial engineering bridge between advanced robotics and observational astronomy, enabling sharper, more reliable data from world-class observatories like ESO’s Cerro Paranal.