FY 2000 NSF Request: Major Research Equipment, Polar Programs

MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT:

The NSF established this account several years ago to fund the construction of large scale research facilities. After completion, facility operation and maintenance money is provided through the Research and Related Activities budget.

NSF is requesting $85.0 million for six facilities in FY 2000. This amount is down $5.0 million, or 5.6%, from the current year. Many of these facilities are of particular interest to the physics and astronomy community. The NSF budget document provides the following descriptions:

Large Hadron Collider: “The FY 2000 Request for construction of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) detectors, A Toroidal Large Angle Spectrometer (ATLAS) and Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS), is $15.90 million.” “Total NSF funding for this project is $80.90 million over the period FY 1999-2003.” “FY 2000 Milestones US ATLAS: Complete design for tracking and calorimetry readout, complete design of calorimeter triggers, complete production of muon chamber electronics. US CMS: Ship calorimeter supports to CERN, start design of tracking electronics.”LHC construction, for which the Department of Energy also provides U.S. major funding, is scheduled to be completed in FY 2005.

Millimeter Array (MMA): “The MMA will be the world’s most sensitive, highest resolution, millimeter-wavelength telescope. It will combine an angular resolution comparable to that of the Hubble Space Telescope with the sensitivity of a single antenna more than fifty meters in diameter.” “Funding for the three-year Design and Development Phase of the MMA project will total $26.0 million, including a requested $8.0 million in FY 2000. Total costs for the MMA project are estimated to be approximately $230.0 million. International or other-agency participation at the 25-50% level is being actively sought for the project. Funding for the 5-year capital construction phase will be requested only after appropriate review and approval by the National Science Board.”

Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation: This is a new start. “The FY 2000 Request to initiate construction of the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) is $7.70 million.” “Total NSF funding for this project, including both the experimental facilities and the network is $81.90 million over the period FY 2000-2004.” “The Network will be developed to include geographically distributed and network-interconnected physical facilities constructed under cooperative agreements with NSF.” “The NEES project will transform earthquake engineering research from its current reliance on physical experiments to investigations based on integrated models, databases and model- based simulation.”Construction is to be completed in FY 2004.

Polar Support Aircraft Upgrades: Following a review, it was determined that $12.0 million is required in FY 2000 “to complete the upgrades to the NSF-owned aircraft.” “The estimated cost includes engineering, avionics, airframe, safety, propulsion, electronics and communications, equipment for black box installation, storage, and project administration.”

South Pole Station: “In FY 1998, $70.0 million was appropriated to begin the South Pole Station Modernization project, and in FY 1999 a second increment of $39.0 million was appropriated. The FY 2000 Request includes $5.4 million for the next phase of the project.” “Priorities in implementing the modernization project include increasing safety, minimizing environmental impacts and disruption of ongoing science, and optimizing the use of existing facilities during the modernization.” “Construction is anticipated to begin in FY 2001 and to be completed by FY 2005. The project is currently on budget and schedule.”

Terascale Computing Systems: “As part of IT2, [Information Technology for the 21st Century], the Terascale Computing Systems project will enable U.S. researchers to gain access to leading edge computing capabilities. The project will be connected to NSF’s existing PACI network, and will be coordinated with other agencies’ activities, such as DOE’s, to leverage the software, tools and technology investments, while ensuring a full and open competition. The Request includes $36.0 million for the Terascale Computing Systems project in FY 2000 to put in place a 5-teraflop capability at one site. Additional funding will be required to maintain state-of-the-art facilities for this effort in FY 2001 and beyond.”

Gemini Observatories:NSF is requesting no money through this account for Gemini, as all US capital construction funding has been provided. First light for the instrument in Hawaii was achieved in late 1998. First light for the instrument in Chile is scheduled during FY 2000.

Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO): NSF has previously provided all construction money. “Civil construction at both LIGO sites is completed, including the large vacuum systems which contain the interferometer. Contracts have been awarded for the lasers and optical elements. Delivery of optical elements and interferometer installation began at both sites in FY 1999. The overall control system is at an advanced stage. A final design review for critical elements, including the laser, length-sensing and controls, alignment, and environmental monitors has been completed. The project remains on schedule and on budget, with first scientific observations planned for FY 2001.”

POLAR PROGRAMS:

“The FY 2000 Budget Request for U.S. Polar Programs is $250.63 million, an increase of $5.56 million, or 2.3 percent, over the FY 1999 Current Plan of $245.07 million.”

“U.S. Polar Research programs include funding for both Arctic and Antarctic research, as well as operations and science support.”FY 2000 funding would increase $5.56 million, or 3.0 percent, to $188.03 million.

“U.S. Antarctic Logistical Support Activities fund logistics and operational support provided by the Department of Defense that contribute to the U.S. presence in Antarctica.” FY 2000 funding would remain level at $62.60 million.