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MORFEO (Multi-conjugate adaptive Optics Relay For ELT Observations, known as MAORY), is the Multi-conjugate Adaptive Optics (MCAO) relay for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) that will provide diffraction-limited optical quality to two instruments at the ELT Nasmyth Platform. One first light instrument fed by MORFEO is the Multi-AO Imaging Camera for Deep Observations (MICADO) that will provide imaging, astrometric, spectroscopic and coronographic observing modes; a second-generation instrument, still to be defined, will occupy the second instrument port powered by MORFEO. The two instruments will be assisted alternately by MORFEO thanks to a flat steering mirror that can redirect the beam towards one or the other instrument. The particular shape of the MORFEO module is closely related to the position of the optical elements and the relative optical path that is mainly developed in a vertical plane. For this reason, the Main Support Structure is “almost empty” in the central plane, in order to accommodate both the opto-mechanical elements and sub-systems and allow the light to pass into. MORFEO has officially passed the Preliminary Design Review in February 2023. The general overview of the mechanical design for the MAIN STRUCTURE described in this paper is an updated version of the configuration presented for the Preliminary Design Review in the first half of 2021.
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