Project Management of an Imaging Optical Interferometer
Abstract
The Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI) is part of a new observatory dedicated to astronomical research. It is a 6 element optical interferometer currently in its construction phase, with a planned phase B of 10 elements. The observatory is located within 32 km from the centre of the Very Large Array (VLA) at an altitude of approximately 3230 meters. The design is optimized for faint source imaging. This makes it one of the most advanced high spatial resolution optical instruments available to the scientific community. With a staffing of up to 20 scientists and engineers, and a large fraction of the telescopes, buildings, and delay lines outsourced to industry and consortium partners, it aims for an aggressive schedule to have first fringe with 6 telescopes in late 2009. A project this size in budget, tight milestones and deadlines, requires professional management. In this paper we address the basic principles that are followed in the project management approach. We describe a generic approach and at some instances the implementation chosen at MROI.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA461543
Entities
People
- E. J. Bakker
- M. J. Creech-eakman
Organizations
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology