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The universe awaits

Leading Space Science Innovation

The Giant Magellan Telescope is a global endeavor led by American universities and research institutions. Ranked as the top priority of the National Academies’ 2020 Decadal Survey for Astronomy and Astrophysics, the United States federal government has the opportunity to expand its global influence and pave the future of space science with the Giant Magellan Telescope.
40% underway
40% under construction in manufacturing facilities and research labs across the U.S.
36 states
Designed and built in America in 36 states with 9 leading U.S. universities supporting construction.
$1 billion
Backed by $1 billion in private funding, 65% coming from U.S. institutions and investors.

Ready to Deliver

The Giant Magellan Telescope is already 40% under construction. With federal support from the National Science Foundation, it could reach 90% completion within two years — ensuring American scientists have access to the most advanced astronomical tools on a globally competitive timeline.

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Fueling Industry

At $2.6 billion, the telescope is designed and built in America across 36 states, supporting thousands of jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and technology.

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What’s at Stake?

The Giant Magellan Telescope is a core partner of the U.S. Extremely Large Telescope Program and the top-ranked priority in the National Academies’ 2020 Decadal Survey for Astronomy and Astrophysics. Strategically located in the Southern Hemisphere, it will leverage billions in existing U.S. investments — including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Gemini South, and ALMA — to create an unmatched scientific ecosystem in Chile. Amid rising global competition, the stakes for American access to next-generation astronomy facilities are high. Europe is already 60% complete with its own Extremely Large Telescope in Chile, which will not be directly accessible to U.S. scientists. Without immediate federal support for the Giant Magellan Telescope, America risks ceding leadership in space science and discovery for decades to come.

Excerpt from from the National Academies’ Astro2020 Decadal Survey

“The success of [the Giant Magellan Telescope] is absolutely essential if the United States is to maintain a position as a leader in ground-based astronomy.”

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Excerpt from the National Science Foundation’s US ELT External Evaluation Report

“The panel has confidence that [the Giant Magellan Telescope] will progress through FDP to a successful [Final Design Review] and construction, if approved.”

Read from the NSF Director

Construction funding from the National Science Foundation will secure U.S. leadership in space science for the next 50 years. 

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