Caroline Lefaoseu is a Mechanical Engineering
undergraduate at the University of Hawai?i at M?noa who
plans to pursue a master’s degree. She grew up in Wahiaw?,
Hawai?i, and graduated from Mililani High School. She works
as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the UH M?noa
RIP Lab, contributing to the development of a Fast
Fluorescence Sensor through 3D modeling and system
integration. Caroline is also a member of the Rover Space
Exploration (RoSE) team, where she helps design and
fabricate a payload subsystem for soil analysis, and a
member of the University of Hawai?i Rainbow Warrior Band.
Outside of engineering, she enjoys music, cooking, and
exploring local cafés.
Home Island: Oahu
High School: Mililani High School
Institution when accepted: UH Manoa
Site: Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). Waimea, Hawaii Island
Mentors:Gregory Barrick & Windell Tanaka
Project title: Upgrading CFHT’s Primary Mirror Handling Carriage: Retrofitting Load Cells and Panel Meters
Project Abstract:
Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope (CFHT) on Maunakea has a 14-ton, 3.6-meter primary mirror.
When the primary mirror cell is removed for maintenance every 2-3 years, it is supported with a
designated handling carriage. The primary mirror cell’s load on the carriage is measured and
monitored by four load cells, one on each supporting post. These load cells confirm that the load is
evenly distributed amongst each post, mitigating the risk of damages. During the last disassembly in
October 2025, one of the load cells was damaged; since they are outdated, they can’t simply be
replaced. This project focuses on retrofitting a new load cell assembly along with upgrading the
current analog displays to digital panel meters. The new load cell assemblies must collectively
support the full mirror load of 40+ tons, have a minimum factor of safety of 3.0, be compatible with
the spatial constraints of both the handling carriage and mirror assembly, and output accurate,
repeatable force measurements. This project includes design development with SolidWorks CAD
modeling and finite element analysis (FEA), stress calculations, material selection, component
design, documentation, a design review, in-house manufacturing on a manual lathe and mill, testing,
and initial installation at the CFHT Observatory. Following confirmation that all requirements are
met, one load cell assembly and a panel meter assembly with wiring will be installed at the summit
to close out this internship. For future project completion, a testing procedure for incoming load
cells, the manufacturing process, and panel meter configuration will be documented.