Dark energy is a mysterious form of energy that comprises 70% of the universe and could explain the how our universe evolved. The Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment is the first major experiment to probe this form of energy.

The Center for Electromechanics has partnered with the University of Texas and the McDonald Observatory in this effort. CEM has used its engineering expertise to upgrade the tracker -- an 18 ton robot that positions the HET Prime Focal Instrument Package.