Cornell Caltech Atacama Telescope (CCAT) Concept Design Study

The Cornell Caltech Atacama Telescope (CCAT) was a joint project to design and construct a 25-meter class submillimeter telescope in the Atacama region of northern Chile.  M3 services included a conceptual design and cost analysis incorporating a cost trade-off of three optional sites and a baseline design of the facilities at Cerro Chajnantor, Chile.  The primary focus of the design study addressed the site access road, site utilities, telescope pier, dome foundation, control building and lower elevation support facility.  Due to the high elevation of the site (5500m / 18,000 feet), M3 also provided a Critical Risk Assessment, analyzing contractors availability, remote site complications, weather and construction seasons, lack of oxygen, and equipment operation and warranty.