The European emphasis has been on collecting area, the U.S. project has emphasized imaging. Two options for resolving this issue came out of the meeting. All of these numbers are subject to revision as the cost equations improve. The European design draws strongly on the IRAM experience with antennas of this size. We would like, at this time, feedback from the community on their initial thoughts on the joint project and the two options in particular.
Science is the number one consideration here.
However, both groups may need a fallback position if the funding from the other side does not materialize. Also time is of the essense. We cannot afford to study this question for very long. We need a strategy which will allow us to proceed quickly with the project. Also the options described above are not set in stone, so we would also like to hear other ideas as well as what the boundaries should be on an acceptable option.