Work on mechanism design is underway, and analysis of instrument flexure has begun. One final iteration of the optical design will be done once it has been established that the cryostat design will not force modifications.
A program to fund a foundry run of 1024x1024 InSb detector arrays was initiated in collaboration with Dr. Mike Mumma (GSFC). The project is known as PAIDAI - Planetary Astronomy InSb Detector Array Infrastructure Project. About $400k in funding was awarded by NASA from Advanced Technology Development funds. SpeX will provide $100k and get first choice of the arrays produced. The products of the run would be distributed as follows: The first choice is allocated to SpeX (Rayner). The second choice is assigned to GSFC, for use in FCAS . The third choice is backup for SpeX or FCAS in case of a failure during testing. The fourth choice is given to NOAO, for use of Aladdin expertise. A bare readout would given to each of the partners. Any remaining arrays would be distributed to the planetary community in response to a Dear Colleague letter.