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The Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (official name of CCAT-prime aka CCAT-p, for Cerro Chajnantor Atacama Telescope, prime) is a 6-meter submillimeter telescope under construction on the 5600 meter (~18400 ft, nearly the highest altitude of any ground-based research telescope) Cerro Chajnantor peak in the Atacama Desert, Chile, aiming for first light in April 2026, and science operation by the end of the year. The project is one outgrowth of the more ambitious (25-meter) CCAT proposal.
It is designed for efficient surveys, with a large field of view in the far-infrared/microwave range (a general range of 200 μm to 3.1 mm) aiming to survey the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, intensity mapping of the redshifted [CII], and to take advantage of its capabilities for other science. The high, desert site is ideal for millimeter astronomy, offering many clear days/nights for observation and minimal moisture, thus minimizing absorption from water lines. Frequent night-time temperature inversions below the level of the telescope result in even drier air for observation. The telescope housing and mirrors operate as a unit, the housing turning and tilting (elevating) with the mirrors, and the elevation range spans 180°, i.e., the aim can flip across the zenith. The intended scanning is horizontal, so each entire sweep experiences analogous atmospheric effects. It has a large, flat focal plane. Initial instruments:
Prime-Cam allows seven instruments to survey simultaneously and an additional instrument location (using an alternate optical path via a fold mirror) where CHAI will be located, with room for an additional instrument. Plans have included:
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