Explanatory notes

This calculator is designed to help the user find a solution to funding a major telescope project. The idea is to split the funding into a number of 'tranches' over the lifetime of the project, such that:

• The project at least 'breaks even' at the end of each tranche;
• No more than 8000 'credits' (shares) may be sold;
• The price per credit should increase between subsequent tranches.

• Select a number of tranches.
• Input data into the active fields. The calculator assumes that you will enter data sequentially (i.e. fill out tranche 1, then tranche 2 etc.). However, you may fill the calculator fields in any order without breaking it.
• Once the calculator has been completely filled, values can be manipulated to find the optimal solution.

This calculator has been modified from the original in the following ways:

• Branding has been removed;
• Funding requirements and credits have been altered from the actual values;
• Explanatory notes added.