Additionally, ALMA project members from around the U.S. and the world will visit the VLA site to participate in the test program. The two prototype antennas will first be tested separately. Following that, the two will be linked together and tested as an interferometer. Millimeter-wave astronomy is the study of the universe in the spectral region between what is traditionally considered radio waves and infrared radiation. The project is currently in a Design and Development phase governed by a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Europe.
Negotiations are currently underway to add Canada to the United States team.
Inc. ESO Video News Reel no. 5 with sequences related to the ALMA project is available to broadcasters on request.