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US-Australia Space Surveillance Telescope in Western Australia Undergoes Major Upgrade

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Major Refurbishment Completed on US Space Force's Space Surveillance Telescope in Western Australia

A major refurbishment of the primary mirror on the US Space Force’s Space Surveillance Telescope (SST), located in Western Australia, has been completed by defence contractor L3Harris Technologies in partnership with Australia. This upgrade is intended to enhance the system's capability to monitor orbital spaces and detect objects.

This upgrade is intended to enhance the system's capability to monitor orbital spaces and detect objects.

Overview of the Upgrade

The refurbishment focused on the primary and tertiary mirrors of the Space Surveillance Telescope, a key piece of space surveillance infrastructure. L3Harris Technologies led the work, which involved collaboration with Australian personnel. The project aims to improve the telescope’s ability to detect smaller objects in geostationary orbit.

Purpose and Enhanced Capabilities

The SST is situated in the Southern Hemisphere and is designed to provide wide-area detection and tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbits, approximately 35,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) above Earth. Its functions include monitoring operational satellites, space debris, and potential threats.

According to Col. Barry Croker, commander of Mission Delta 2, the refurbishment improved the telescope’s ability to detect small targets in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). Jeff Hanke, L3Harris Space Systems president, noted that the upgrade supports operators in obtaining accurate and consistent data for collision avoidance and the safeguarding of space-based infrastructure.

"The upgrade supports operators in obtaining accurate and consistent data for collision avoidance and the safeguarding of space-based infrastructure."

Technical Aspects of the Refurbishment

The refurbishment process involved several key actions:

  • Mirror Restoration: The primary and tertiary mirrors were carefully removed and restored.
  • Primary Mirror: The primary mirror underwent a full refurbishment, which included stripping, cleaning, and recoating using a specialized vacuum deposition system.
  • Tertiary Mirror: The tertiary mirror received detailed cleaning to meet updated coating standards, along with targeted repairs to its support structure.
  • Structural Reinforcement: Key structural elements of the telescope were repaired and reinforced to enhance stability within its operating environment.

These improvements are expected to enhance the telescope’s optical performance and extend its operational lifespan.

Strategic Context and Future Outlook

Originally located at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the SST was relocated to Australia in 2017 and became operational in 2022. It is now part of a broader US-Australia partnership focused on space domain awareness, which supports both nations and international partners. Ground-based systems such as the SST can be upgraded over time, providing an ongoing capability for adaptation in the context of an increasingly congested and competitive space environment.

Ground-based systems such as the SST can be upgraded over time, providing an ongoing capability for adaptation in the context of an increasingly congested and competitive space environment.