Advanced Technology Solar Telescope: conceptual design and status

Abstract

The Advance Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) has finished its conceptual design stage, submitted a proposal for construction funding and is working towards a system level preliminary design review later this year. The current concept (including integrated adaptive optics and instrumentation) will be reviewed with concentration on solutions to the unique engineering challenges for a four meter solar telescope that have been previously presented. The overall status will be given with a concentration on near term milestones and impact on final completion targeted in 2012.