The Boeing Company has accomplished a two-year modernization initiative for the Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS). This versatile, powerful telescope is effective for use in research and space situational awareness for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
The initial operational capability (IOC) for AEOS has been reported by the Air Force, showing that the telescope is fully upgraded and available for generating imagery and surveillance of objects in near-Earth and deep-space orbits.
At 12 ft in diameter and 75 T, AEOS is the massive telescope in the U.S. Department of Defense inventory. It is one among the six highly advanced telescopes at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex being deployed for tracking and imaging space objects like manufactured debris and satellites.
Boeing will control software and computer systems for the telescopes at the complex, and will replace aging sensors, as per AFRL’s Innovative Research and Optical Support Services contract.
On June 13, Boeing and Air Force officials took part in a ceremony on Mount Haleakala on to commemorate the AEOS milestone and also the IOC of a 1.6-meter-diameter telescope, upgraded by Boeing, recently.
According to Col. Joseph Romero, chief, Optics Division, AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate, IOC completion is a major milestone achievement, inspiring the Air Force Research Laboratory to achieve its future mission. These multiple-featured, novel telescope systems are a critical national asset, and its maintenance will ensure several space surveillance and research mission.
The director of Boeing Laser Technical Services, Dave DeYoung says that this contemporary upgrade is the extended initiative of Boeing’s two-decade effort to ensure technical support for major research and observations carried out at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex.