Summary
Abstract. Due to the typical high atmospheric noise and low opacity, submillimeter observations can be carried out only from sites with very high atmospheric stability and very low precipitable water vapour content. The Antarctic Plateau is important because of its remarkable atmospheric transparency and stability. Logistical diculties have limited till now the exploitation of the unprecedent potential of Antarctica as a site for submillimeter observations. The opening of Concordia Station at Dome C is now o ering a unique opportunity to the international astronomical community to perform ground-based breaking astronomical science. The proposal from our multi-national group represents a first step toward the realization of an international Antarctic Submillimeter Observatory (ASO) based on a telescope with a large collecting area (12m diameter) and several focal plane instruments for both continuum and spectral line observations, particularly in the 200 and 230m atmospheric windows. ASO will also include some minor instruments for site testing and preliminary observations, and the infrastructures required for its operation and maintenance.