A giant telescope planned for the summit of Mauna Kea will likely get a $150 million infusion in cash and high-tech equipment from India.

Thirty Meter Telescope spokeswoman Sandra Dawson said today while no amount has been officially committed, India’s contribution will be in the $150 million range. Canada, Japan and China have also signed on as partners in the $1.2 billion telescope, which will be among the world’s largest telescopes. 

Dawson said all of the countries will contribute a combination of cash and equipment in exchange for observing time on the telescope and opportunities to develop high-tech technology such as lasers and mirror polishing.

Some Native Hawaiians have opposed the telescope on the grounds it would defile Mauna Kea summit, which they consider sacred.