E-ELT Prep Preparing for the Construction of the European extremely Large Telescope

The E-ELT Prep Project fundamental goal is to complement the 2007-2009 Phase B (final design) of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT), presently conducted by ESO upon a mandate by its Council representing the 13 ESO Member States. E-ELT Prep has a total budget of 6.013 M€, including a 5.000 M€ contribution from the European Commission and will run for 2-year, from January 1st 2008 to December 31st, 2009. The ESO executive has been directed by Council to act as a mono-partner in that endeavour, acting on behalf of all Member States. The E-ELT Prep activities will thus be conducted by ESO, with contributions from 25 third parties Institutes in 8 Member States. The E-ELT Prep Work Packages (WP) aim is to help ESO being fully prepared for the early 2010 decision by the funding Agencies in the Member States to give a go-ahead for building the Facility. One important aspect is to get a proper setting for the internal structure of the Project Office (WP8) , the full financial package (WP7) to build the 800 M€ plus Facility, close generic links with critical Industries (WP3), and to establish efficient coordination with other similar project world-wide (WP2). Optimizing the science output of the E-ELT is paramount, and we will develop a Science-Telescope Design feedback tool (WP4) and a detailed blueprint for Science Access to the facility (WP5). Finally, the basic R&D knowledge for crucial upgrades of the E-ELT observing capabilities, e.g. for exoplanet detection, study of the 1st light in the Universe, etc., will be developed (WP9) and the ESO community will organize itself in Networks (WP6) to be fully prepared for its future crucial role in building powerful and innovative focal instruments for the Facility. Industrial Links will strengthen the links with the industrial partners and establish policies on connected issues, e.g. development standards, public relation and knowledge transfer. Design Reference Mission objective is to develop a comprehensive set of observing proposals, in particular to maintain the alignment of the E-ELT Project with its community scientific aspirations and explore its synergies with other large astronomical facilities. Science Access Strategy will define the strategy and requirements for the Telescope Operation and for data access by its Users in order to maximize the Facility scientific impact.