  The High Contrast spectroscopy testbed for Segmented Telescopes (HCST) is
being developed at Caltech. It aims at addressing the technology gap for future
exoplanet imagers and providing the U.S. community with an academic facility to
test components and techniques for high contrast imaging, focusing on segmented
apertures proposed for future ground-based (TMT, ELT) and space-based
telescopes (HabEx, LUVOIR).
  We present an overview of the design of the instrument and a detailed look at
the testbed build and initial alignment. We offer insights into stumbling
blocks encountered along the path and show that the testbed is now operational
and open for business. We aim to use the testbed in the future for testing of
high contrast imaging techniques and technologies with amongst with thing, a
TMT-like pupil.
