It is a binational Mexican (70%) – American (30%) joint project of the Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica (INAOE) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Millimetre-wavelength observations using the LMT give astronomers a view of regions which are obscured by dust in the interstellar medium, thus increasing our knowledge of star formation.

The telescope is also particularly fitted for observing solar system planetesimals and planets as well as extra-solar protoplanetary disks which are relatively cold and emit most of their radiation at millimetre wavelengths.

[2] The mission of the LMT is to: 1) pursue pioneering research, 2) train future generations of scientists and engineers, and 3) develop new technology for the benefit of society.

The reflecting secondary surface (M2) has a 2.6-m diameter, also built by nine electro-formed nickel sub-panels, and is attached to the telescope with an active hexapod that allows precise focus, lateral offsets, and tilts.

Beam-switching at 1 kHz on the sky is achieved using a fast Faraday rotation polarization switch and a wire-grid to interchange the reflected and transmitted beams to each receiver.

The AzTEC field of view at the LMT is 2.4 arcminutes square and manages to take completely sampled images through telescope or reflecting secondary surface movements.