1. What types of facilities can be proposed?
2. Does the next facility need to be in Chile?
3. Can the next facility be space-based?
4. What are disruptive technologies?
5. What will be the selection criteria?
6. What should the Letter of Intent include?
7. What is the budgetary framework for the new programme?

A: Examples of possible proposals (non-exhaustive) are:

• A new telescope facility at an existing or new observatory site;
• A significant upgrade of an existing facility that is (co-)owned by ESO;
• A combination (for example two small complementary facilities to be developed sequentially).

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A: The next facility can be based anywhere in the world.

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A: No. ESO’s expertise is in ground-based astronomy.

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A: Disruptive technology is, simply put, any new technology that completely changes the way things are done in a positive sense.

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A:

• Scientific drive: Which fundamental problems in astronomy are expected to be addressed in the 2040s? How broad an impact will the new facility have? What synergies will there be with other ESO facilities?
• Organisational ability: Are the necessary competencies and skill sets available to own the design and development of the new facility? Is the organisation able to fulfil its operational requirements?
• Sustainability: To what degree could the new facility be designed, built, and operated in an environmentally, socially, and financially sustainable manner?
• Institutional model: Should the new facility be developed in a partnership with another organisation?
• Risk assessment

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A: Letters of Intent are requested to allow us to know the number and nature of the proposals to be expected, so that planning for the resources needed in the assessment phase can be carried out. Compliance with the basic requirements of the Call for Ideas will also be checked, notifying proposers if a proposal in preparation does not fit into the terms of the call.

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A: There is currently no budgetary framework for the programme as we want to ensure a broad discussion focussed on the science. Further indications will be communicated at the time of the Call for Ideas.

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