Expansion on track at NRAO

Assistant Director for New Mexico Operations of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) Trish Henning, Pd.D., had exciting news for Socorro County Commissioners during its meeting last week.

Appointed in 2021, Henning leads the operations of the National Science Foundation’s Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), the continent-wide Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), and the Domenici Science Operations Center in Socorro.

Henning relayed to commissioners its an exciting time to work at the VLA as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. “We’re excited for the future of science and technology and, of course, Socorro County.”

“If you haven’t been out to the site recently, we’re building a brand-new dish out there,” Henning said. “The other work being done is for a prototype antenna for the new array that’s being built on site.”

The hope is to have the prototype ready to test by December.

After a thorough testing, 200 of the 263 new antennas will find a home in New Mexico on the current VLA site. Others will be placed in Arizona, Texas, Mexico and a few on the east coast.

“You know, I tried to get a job there once,” said Martinez, noting it didn’t pan out. However, he noted many of his friends and family have worked and retired from the VLA.

“I’m in my 70s and lived in Magdalena my whole life. And I remember when they said this was coming,” said Martinez. “I didn’t think it would ever happen. But it did and it has been good for Socorro County.”

But the most important news at the VLA, according to Henning, is the next generation learning center plans.

Socorro County has agreed to serve as the fiscal agent for the capital outlay request to get the VLA’s new learning center built.

“I just wanted to thank you very much for your support and we’re excited about the project, and we are looking forward to working together. This will be an excellent educational and learning experience and teacher development to our site,” she said.

The money the VLA is currently seeking is for the construction phase of the project. Currently the project has $1 million on hand with the help of Senator Ben Ray Lujan’s office. Now they are seeking funds for the project’s design phase.

Commissioner Ray Martinez thanked Henning and the VLA for its commitment to Socorro County.

One of the real concerns is housing for the next generation of employees who will be working at the VLA. Those discussions have started so the county, city and the VLA can be on the ground floor addressing the issue.

“We need to address this now, rather than waiting 10 years and we’re suddenly hit with an emergency,” said Martinez.