Meeting the stringent slew and settling requirements of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will require an
exceptionally stiff mount. The unique three mirror design and large, 64 cm diameter, focal plane preclude the use of a
fast steering mirror or active focal plane. Consequently, a smooth (low vibrations) drive and bearing system is also
required. This combination of smooth motion and high stiffness is best achieved with hydrostatic bearings. Hydrostatic
bearings have historically proven use for the support of azimuth and elevation axes of telescopes due to these
performance advantages. In addition to the known benefit of mount stiffness and tracking accuracy from exceedingly
low friction, the hydrostatic bearing provides a wide range of geometric possibilities for large telescopes, reference 1.
This paper analyzes various bearing arrangements for the azimuth and elevation axes of the Large Synoptic Survey
Telescope to conceptualize the greatest stiffness for the mount and provide data to determine system performance.
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