Consolidating plans for the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST2)

Research Project, 2025 – 2028

The future of European ground-based astronomical research in the 2030s is set to be expansive, featuring a variety of facilities aimed at exploring the cosmos in synergy with each other. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in sensitive, high-resolution (sub-)millimetre observatories, essential for studying a wide array of astrophysical phenomena. Also, current plans fall short of addressing the urgent need for sustainable, low-emission operations, aligning with the EU’s carbon-neutral aspirations. With this in mind, the EU-funded AtLAST2 project will advance the 50-metre Atacama Large Aperture Submillimetre Telescope (AtLAST). By leveraging European expertise and global collaboration, AtLAST2 will enhance technological readiness, prototype innovative solutions and ensure a greener future for astronomical research while deepening our understanding of the (sub-)millimetre universe.