As a collaboration between the United States, Canada, Japan, China and India, the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project represents a unique combination of technical, industrial and scientific expertise that will guide the next generation of astronomical research. When completed in the early 2020s, the Thirty Meter Telescope will enable astronomers to study objects in our own solar system, stars throughout our Milky Way and other galaxies, as well as galaxies in the early stages of formation near the limits of the observable Universe.

TMT provides a unique opportunity for the astronomical community to make significant discoveries, perform cutting-edge science, and advance technological development. A consortium of Chinese institutions led by NAOC joined the project in 2009, and are currently developing key technology such as the polishment of the primary mirror segments, the laser system and its guiding facility, as well as the first-light science instruments.

TMT-China technical partners including the Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics & Technology (NIAOT), Changchun Institute of Optics Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (TIPC), Institute of Optics and Electronics (IOE), Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (SIOM), University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), Xiamen University (XMU) and other CAS institutes and universities are making steady and important progress towards the construction of TMT.