United States Space Surveillance Network

The United States Space Surveillance Network operates specialized telescopes and radar systems on Maui that track artificial objects orbiting Earth. The facility monitors satellites, rocket stages, and debris circling the planet from its location in Hawaii.

The facility began in 1957 after the launch of Sputnik 1 as part of efforts to monitor space objects during the Cold War. The network has since grown into a worldwide system with dozens of sensors across several continents.

The facility represents the United States commitment to space domain awareness through continuous monitoring of orbital activities and potential threats.

The facility operates around the clock and uses clear nights and radar capacity to catalog thousands of objects in space. The high elevation on Haleakalā provides stable viewing conditions with minimal air turbulence.

The Space Surveillance Telescope on Maui was originally developed for the Pentagon and can detect faint objects at great distances. The telescope uses a curved design with three mirrors that allows for an especially wide field of view.

Location: Maui County

Inception: 1957

GPS coordinates: 20.70838,-156.25760

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:18