Array for Cosmic Exploration
The Array for Cosmic Exploration (Alexandrian: Réseau pour l'Exploration Cosmique; Martino: Red para la Exploración Cósmica; Wechua: Qhawana Hatun Hanan Pacha), commonly known by the acronym ACE, is an advanced radio telescope array located in the central highlands of the Region of Santander, Nouvelle Alexandrie. Construction began in late 1729 AN and the primary array became operational in 1736 AN. A major expansion completed in 1746 AN doubled the facility's resolution capabilities. The project operates as a collaborative endeavor under the Nouvelle Alexandrie Aerospace Development Directorate, with contributions from international partners including Javelin Industries and Dingo Enterprises. ACE has established Nouvelle Alexandrie as a leading nation in radio astronomy, producing several significant discoveries since becoming operational.
Overview
ACE consists of 210 parabolic radio antennas arranged in a Y-shaped configuration spanning 120 kilometers across the Santanderian highlands. The original array of 142 antennas covering 64 kilometers was expanded through the ACE-Extended project completed in 1746 AN. The location was selected for its natural radio-quiet properties, minimal atmospheric interference, and protection from electronic noise. The array operates across a frequency range of 50 MHz to 25 GHz, providing high resolution for observing cosmic phenomena.
A distinctive feature of ACE is its high-speed data processing center, which utilizes Alexandrium-enhanced computing systems. This technology was developed jointly by Javelin Industries and the Federal Scientific Computing Center in 1738 AN and subsequently upgraded in 1742 AN and 1750 AN.
History
Planning and construction (1728-1736)
Planning for the array began in 1728 AN when the Nouvelle Alexandrie Aerospace Development Directorate commissioned a feasibility study for a large-scale radio telescope facility. The Santanderian highlands were identified as the optimal location after surveys of potential sites across the Federation. Ground was broken in late 1729 AN, with construction proceeding in phases over the following seven years.
The primary array achieved first light on 14.VII.1736 AN. Within months of becoming operational, ACE detected previously unknown radio sources in several deep-space regions, validating the design specifications.
ACE-Extended expansion (1741-1746)
Following the successful completion of the primary array in 1736 AN, the Department of Research and Development approved a NAX€180 million expansion project in 1741 AN. The ACE-Extended initiative added 68 additional antennas and extended the array's reach from 64 to 120 kilometers. Construction concluded in 1746 AN, with the expanded array achieving full operational status in VIII.1746 AN.
The expansion doubled the array's resolution capabilities and increased sensitivity to weak signals by approximately 40 percent, according to facility administrators.
Technological upgrades
In 1742 AN, the array received Alexandrium-enhanced receivers developed by Javelin Industries' Special Materials Division. These receivers improved the array's sensitivity to weak signals, enabling detection of radio emissions from previously unobservable distant galaxies.
A second major technology upgrade occurred in 1750 AN as part of the Force 1752 initiative's scientific technology transfer program. This upgrade integrated quantum computing elements into the data processing center, reducing analysis time for complex observations from days to hours. The upgrade was funded through a NAX€45 million appropriation from the Department of Research and Development.
Discoveries and research
Early observations (1736-1742)
ACE's initial years of operation produced several notable findings. Between 1737 AN and 1740 AN, the array mapped radio emissions from over 2,400 previously uncatalogued celestial sources. Researchers from the Royal University of Parap used ACE data to characterize the radio properties of several stellar objects, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Lake Cherusken meteor analysis (1749)
Following the spectacular meteor explosion over Lake Cherusken on 11.II.1749 AN, ACE played a role in analyzing the event's aftermath. The array's sensors had recorded unusual electromagnetic signatures in the hours preceding the explosion. Researchers subsequently developed improved detection protocols for similar events based on this data.
Ongoing research programs
As of 1751 AN, ACE hosts over 40 active research programs. These include long-term monitoring of variable radio sources, searches for periodic signals from distant star systems, and collaborative projects with the Interstellar Research and Communication Array.
International collaboration
While initially conceived as a primarily national project, ACE has evolved into a significant hub for international scientific collaboration. The array now hosts researchers from twelve nations, with particularly strong partnerships with Natopia, Constancia, and the Benacian Union.
In 1739 AN, the "Open Skies" initiative was launched, allocating 25 percent of observation time to international research teams through a competitive proposal process. By 1751 AN, the initiative had received over 800 proposals, with approximately 120 international projects receiving observation time annually.
The array maintains data-sharing agreements with similar facilities in allied nations. Joint observations with Natopian astronomical installations have produced collaborative research on several celestial phenomena.
ACE Data Center
The ACE Data Center, established in 1738 AN in Ciudad Real, maintains one of Micras' largest astronomical databases. As of 1751 AN, the facility stores over 28 petabytes of observational data, freely available to researchers worldwide through secure access protocols.
The data center employs a staff of 85 scientists, engineers, and technicians dedicated to data management, quality control, and user support. A NAX€12 million upgrade in 1749 AN expanded storage capacity and improved data retrieval systems.
Funding and economic impact
Total investment in ACE through 1751 AN has reached approximately NAX€520 million. This includes the initial construction budget of NAX€200 million, the ACE-Extended expansion at NAX€180 million, technological upgrades totaling NAX€85 million, and ongoing operational costs.
| Category | Amount (NAX€ millions) |
|---|---|
| Initial construction | 200 |
| ACE-Extended expansion | 180 |
| Technology upgrades | 85 |
| Operational costs (cumulative) | 55 |
| Total | 520 |
The array employs over 340 scientists, engineers, and support staff directly. A 1750 AN economic impact study conducted by the Federal Bank of Nouvelle Alexandrie estimated that ACE contributes approximately NAX€125 million annually to the Santanderian economy through direct operations, scientific tourism, and associated research activities.
Administration
ACE operates under the authority of the Nouvelle Alexandrie Aerospace Development Directorate, with day-to-day operations managed by the ACE Operations Division. The facility director reports to the Aerospace Development Directorate's Scientific Programs Office.
An International Advisory Committee, comprising scientists from partner nations and institutions, provides guidance on research priorities and observational program allocation. The committee meets twice annually in Cárdenas and Ciudad Real.
Future development
In 1751 AN, the Department of Research and Development announced preliminary planning for a potential third phase expansion, tentatively designated ACE-III. The proposal would add approximately 40 additional antennas in a distributed configuration extending into the southern Cherusken highlands. Funding approval remains pending, with a decision expected by 1753 AN.
Researchers have also proposed integration of ACE with the Nouvelle Alexandrie Orbital Defense Initiative's sensor networks, which could enable coordinated ground-space observations. Technical feasibility studies are ongoing.
See also
- Interstellar Research and Communication Array
- Nouvelle Alexandrie Aerospace Development Directorate
- Project Fortuna
- Aeronautics and Space Administration of Nouvelle Alexandrie
- Nouvelle Alexandrie Orbital Defense Initiative
- Javelin Industries
- Dingo Enterprises
- NatAlex Launch Alliance
- Force 1752 initiative
