PowerPoint Presentation - Evaluation of the ALMA Prototype Antennas


	•When the MMA (Millimeter Array), LSA (Large Southern Array), and LMSA (Large Millimeter and Submillimeter Array) projects merged into ALMA, there was a lengthy discussion regarding an appropriate and tractable antenna size which could meet the ALMA science requirements.
	•Development of antenna systems that could meet ALMA science requirements was recognized early on as a challenge.
	•Partners decided to procure prototypes and test them against ALMA performance requirements.
	•The prototype antennas were constructed for testing purposes at the VLA site to take advantage of the VLA infrastructure.
	•Project assigned the task of gathering a team of “experienced antenna testers” to characterize the performance of the prototypes to Baars and Mangum.
	•Due to concerns regarding competition in the production antenna procurement process, all AEG results were kept within the AEG group throughout the evaluation project (NRAO version of “Skunk Works”).