PENELOPE laser system update – on the way to first light

We present the current status of the PENELOPE laser system presently under construction at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf. We aim for the activation of the first major amplification stage boosting available energies to the Joule-level, as well as initial results for the stretcher-compressor module. An update on the development status of the last amplification stage and future front end improvements will be given.