MUSCAT is a next-generation large-format mm-wavelength camera, MUSCAT (Mexico-UK Sub-mm Camera for Astronomy), for the 50-m diameter Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) in Puebla, Mexico. MUSCAT has a focal plane consisting of approximately 1,500 kinetic inductance detectors developed at Cardiff University, UK. The MUSCAT collaboration is jointly led by Cardiff University in the UK and Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica (INAOE) in Mexico.
MUSCAT will be located at the 50-m Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) in Puebla, Mexico. The LMT is the world´s largest single-dish telescope operating at 1.1 mm situated on a high-altitude site (4600 m) in central Mexico with excellent atmospheric conditions for mm-wavelength astronomy. The LMT is a new and unique scientific facility and the addition of MUSCAT at the LMT allows for an exciting step change in the possibilities from ground-based astronomy.
MUSCAT is currently undergoing final lab testing and verification prior to shipping to the LMT for integration prior to its first science semester which will follow soon after.
MUSCAT is funded jointly by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) through the Newton Fund.