Space Surveillance Telescope, Optical telescope in Exmouth, Australia
The Space Surveillance Telescope is an optical instrument with a 3.5-meter mirror located at the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station in Exmouth. It operates from an elevated position and focuses on tracking objects moving around Earth at various altitudes.
The instrument was designed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and began operations in 2011 before being relocated to Western Australia. This move enhanced the ability to monitor orbital objects from the southern hemisphere.
This international collaboration between the United States and Australian defense departments represents a commitment to protecting orbital assets and monitoring space activities.
The facility has an on-site system for mirror maintenance, so delicate components do not need to be transported elsewhere for servicing. This allows for quick repairs and keeps the telescope running continuously.
The telescope can withstand wind speeds exceeding 340 kilometers per hour and uses a rapidly rotating enclosure system to track objects at extreme distances from Earth. Its ability to track with precision at such range makes it one of few facilities of its kind globally.
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