3.67 m Advanced Electro Optical System Telescope

The Advanced Electro Optical System Telescope measures 3.67 meters in diameter and functions as a space surveillance instrument at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex.

The Department of Defense initiated the AEOS project during the 1980s to develop enhanced capabilities for monitoring satellites and other objects in Earth's orbit.

This telescope represents a connection between military space monitoring needs and scientific research, serving both defense operations and astronomical studies.

The telescope tracks objects at 17 degrees per minute and channels light through mirrors to seven separate research rooms below the main structure.

The telescope employs a 941-actuator deformable mirror system that adjusts its shape to counter atmospheric distortion for clearer space object imaging.

Location: Maui County

Diameter: 3.67 m

Part of: Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing observatory

GPS coordinates: 20.70820,-156.25700

Latest update: March 7, 2025 04:25