Science with an ngVLA: The ngVLA Reference Design

Understand

The next-generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) is an astronomical observatory planned to operate at centimeter wavelengths (25 to 0.26 centimeters, corresponding to a frequency range extending from 1.2 to 116 GHz).

• The observatory will be a synthesis radio telescope constituted of approximately 244 reflector antennas each of 18 meters diameter, and 19 reflector antennas each of 6 meters diameter, operating in a phased or interferometric mode.
• We provide a technical overview of the Reference Design of the ngVLA.
• This Reference Design forms a baseline for a technical readiness assessment and the construction and operations cost estimate of the ngVLA.