•San Juan Capistrano Workshop (1995)
¡Broad science consensus
¡Strawman design
•NAS/NRC Parker Committee Report (1998)
¡Endorsed by task group on Ground-based Solar Research
•NAS/NRC Astronomy and Astrophysics (Decadal) Survey Committee Report (2001)
¡Ranked as one of 17 priority instruments to be constructed in this decade