Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer: upcoming important milestones towards first fringes

The Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer has been conceived to be the most ambitious optical/near-infrared long-baseline imaging interferometer in the world today. We anticipate receiving the second telescope mount and enclosure and associated beamline infrastructure to enable us to attempt first fringes measurements early in 2023. Having reached this important milestone, we anticipate receiving the third copy of all beamline components about one year later and attempting closure phase measurements thereafter. We will present a status update and plans under the new Cooperative Agreement with AFRL for the next phases of the project.