The vacuum head was transported to the summit on November 17, 1998 on the transport rig with Lynn Harris at the wheel. Marco Crane brought their 175 ton hyrdo crane to the summit that same day to prepare for an early start the next morning. The day of November 18th was a busy one with the following steps carried out:

1. The telescope was pointed at the horizon and braced to the floor. The special members that support the vacuum head were bolted to the mirror cell.
2. The upper "vee" truss member was removed from the OSS.
3. The vacuum head was lifted into place with the crane.
4. The upper beam and trolley used to move the chamber was test fitted to the top of the mirror cell.
5. The vacuum head was removed, laid flat and lifted to its parking place atop the Summit Support building.
6. The large blower for the primary thermal control ventilation system was lifted over the Summit Support building and installed on its support beams.

Once again, the crane was from Marco Crane & Rigging, Sierrita Mining and Ranching handled the trucking and the entire operation was directed by J.T. Williams.

• The vacuum head sits on the transport rig under a protective tarp.
• The large blower and its 50 hp electric motor sit in front of Summit Support.
• Shawn begins to remove the tarp. The large manifold is visible.
• The building doors are opened as last minute adjustments are made to the crane.
• The telescope pointed at the horizon. The dummy mirror is visible in the mirror cell.
• A view of the back of the mirror cell and the drive arcs.
• The truss is lifted out.
• Shawn and JT make ready for the next lift.
• The crane is rigged and the chains are removed from the vacuum head.
• All you old "Saturday Night Live" fans will immediately recognize the inspiration for the vacuum head design...
• Oooooo Noooooo!
• Lower.
• Lower
• Lower.
• Lower (agonizing, isn't it?).
• Aren't you glad we're trying this before the real mirror is in place?
• The head is in place, but still about a foot from the mirror cell's flange.
• The trolley is mounted on the upper beam.
• The vacuum head is lifted
• Swinging clear of the building.
• Lowering.
• Rotating.
• Tipping.
• Down.
• Down.
• "Whew!"
• Before the head is lifted and parked, the large blower is lifted over the Summit Support building.
• Near the real summit of Mt. Hopkins.
• Positioning the blower.
• A view of the telescope.
• Rigging for lift.
• Tension.
• Airborne.
• Shades of Roswell, New Mexico...
• "Scully! I think it's extraterrestrial!"
• The big picture.
• Ready to park.
• Contact!