Precision engineering for astronomy and gravity science

The fields of astronomy and gravitational science have presented significant precision engineering challenges. Numerous solutions for these fields of science have achieved unprecedented levels of accuracy, sensitivity and sheer scale. Notwithstanding of their importance to science understanding, many of these precision engineering developments have become key enabling technologies for wealth generation and other human well-being issues. This paper provides a brief historical overview of astronomy and gravitational instruments. Later, details of critical precision engineering developments that supported the establishment of leading astronomical and gravitational instruments are illustrated. Details of specific developments having wider application to the benefit of mankind are provided. Finally, significant precision engineering demands to enable future science programmes are introduced.