https://j.people.com.cn/n3/2026/0508/c95952-20454010.html

The 500-meter spherical radio telescope (FAST), known as “China’s Sky Eye,” has recently begun replacing the wire ropes that drive its feed cabin. The feed cabin of “China’s Sky Eye” weighs 30 tons, and six wire ropes pull this “eyeball” with extremely high precision, enabling real-time positioning within a range of 206 meters at an altitude of 140 meters. It is also referred to as the “eye muscles” of “China’s Sky Eye.”

Previously, this component was imported, but the research team began independent development in January 2023. After three rounds of improvements, 62,000 pulley tests, and 200,000 pulse fatigue tests, domestic production was achieved in August 2025. Currently, the six domestically produced wire ropes have already been delivered to the site, and the replacement work is expected to continue until the end of June. This localization not only resolved supply chain security issues but also established a complete technological system encompassing materials, rope manufacturing, evaluation, and inspection, providing reproducible experience for the localization of other important scientific and technological infrastructure.