APEX was formed as a collaboration among the Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie (MPIfR), the Onsala Space Observatory (OSO), and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to operate a modified ALMA prototype antenna as a single dish, on the high altitude site of Llano de Chajnantor. The telescope was manufactured by VERTEX Antennentechnik in Duisburg, Germany.
From the 1st of January 2023, ESO continues being charge of operating APEX (in a cost neutral manner), while the MPIfR remains as the only party, setting up the scientific and technical strategies.
Chile is the host country of the project, and the agreement establishes that Chilean research institutions have access to 10% of the available observing time.
The Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie is part of the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft and is located in Bonn, Germany.
The MPIfR millimeter and submillimeter astronomy department investigates a broad variety of astrophysical topics, from molecular clouds in the Milky Way and other galaxies to galaxy evolution at high redshift. The division for sub-millimeter technologies develops state-of-the-art instrumentation for APEX and other projects
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is an intergovernmental science and technology organisation in astronomy. The ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities for astronomy, in order to enable important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research.