Development of a National Facility for Mexican Radio Astronomy at Tulancingo

This project will transfer skills in radio astronomy technology from the UK to Mexico. The government of the Mexican state of Hidalgo is funding the conversion of a 30-m diameter satellite communications antenna to a radio telescope for the use of the Mexican research community. UK researchers will provide training and assistance to the Mexicans in converting the antenna systems, and in designing and building a state-of-the-art cooled radio receiver for the converted antenna. The new radio telescope will be used for education and research in Mexican universities and research institutes, operated either as a stand-alone telescope or as part of larger arrays. The new facility will also be capable of being used as a deep-space network ground station, opening up new commercial opportunities.