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About

Masaki Hirano is a leading figure in the design and construction of next-generation giant telescopes, with his most impactful work centered on the structural engineering of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). His primary research area involves the mechanical and structural systems that enable these colossal observatories to achieve unprecedented precision. Hirano’s major contribution is his leadership in the preliminary design of the TMT’s Telescope Structure System (STR), a critical undertaking that began in 2012 when the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) assumed responsibility for the project. He spearheaded the collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) to develop the comprehensive design overview, which has garnered 13 citations and serves as a foundational reference for the TMT’s construction. This work demonstrates his expertise in translating complex astronomical requirements into robust, realizable engineering solutions. By guiding the structural framework that will support the TMT’s 30-meter primary mirror, Hirano has played a pivotal role in enabling future discoveries in astrophysics, solidifying his reputation as a key engineer in the global effort to build the world’s most advanced ground-based telescopes.