Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has entered the completion stage of building a giant telescope with a mirror diameter of 3.8 meters at the Timau National Observatory, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, which can potentially be used to observe satellites.
BRIN Timau National Observatory Coordinator Abdul Rachman said that satellites as man-made objects are important to observe because they are related to the issue of space waste which is an international issue and is discussed by the UN every year.
“The issue of space waste is very important because this waste cannot be controlled. “So, it could hit a satellite that is still actively working, and result in damage that could be fatal,” said Abdul in his statement in Jakarta, Sunday.
Furthermore, he explained that BRIN had been observing satellites with relatively small telescopes, the largest of which had a mirror diameter of 50 centimeters.
According to him, satellite observations need to be carried out to help if problems occur with actively operating satellites, which cause them to be unable to communicate with control stations on earth, including when unexpected events occur.
Abdul said that observation and analysis techniques that have long been known in astronomical observations are astrometry, photometry and spectroscopy. These three techniques have also been used in satellite and space debris observations.
“It is necessary to have an astronomical telescope for satellite observations slewing rate or a fairly high moving speed. “This is because satellites and their debris are classified as fast-moving objects whose speed of movement in the sky can be many times that of stars,” he said.
Researchers at the BRIN Space Research Center have been observing satellites with telescopes since 2022. This is done either through astrometric observations to determine or correct the satellite’s orbit or photometry to determine the brightness and attitude characteristics of the satellite.
“A rotating satellite (tumbling) generally occurs on satellites that have ended their operational period and have become rubbish. These attitude characteristics include the direction of the rotation axis and its speed. “This information is needed in efforts to mitigate the impact of space debris,” said Abdul.
This news was published on Antaranews.com with the title: BRIN prepares a large telescope for satellite observations
What’s Up in Space? BRIN’s Telescope Countdown!
BRIN’s Big Bet on the Cosmos
Gather ‘round, folks! The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Indonesia is donning its space goggles and gearing up to unveil a massive telescope that would make even Galileo raise an eyebrow. This colossal 3.8-meter beauty is being constructed at the Timau National Observatory nestled in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, and is set to cast its gaze upon—wait for it—satellites!
Space Garbage Alert: It’s Not Just Cosmonauts Who Leave a Mess
According to our friend Abdul Rachman, who coordinates the observatory, keeping tabs on satellites isn’t just a nerdy pastime; it’s a matter of concern! Yes, space waste is no pink elephant—it’s a full-fledged interstellar trash problem! With the United Nations bringing this sticky issue up every year, it sounds like we might just be one misplaced spatula short of a space cleanup crew all dressed in orange jumpsuits, eh?
“So, you see,” Abdul explains, “this cosmic garbage can collide with our precious, functioning satellites and cause some *real* issues.” I mean, imagine sending messages to space, only to have them ping off a rusty old satellite because some space debris decided to play a game of cosmic bumper cars!
From Mini Telescopes to the Big League
In the past, BRIN has been peeking at satellites through telescopes with a mere 50-centimeter mirror diameter. Talk about peeping through a keyhole when you could have the whole front door wide open! The new telescope will allow for a much clearer view—because, let’s face it, we need to keep an eye on *everything* floating above us, especially if it’s about to fall!
The Science of Spotting Satellites
Abdul and his team have been actively observing satellites since 2022 using techniques like astrometry, photometry, and spectroscopy. These methods sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they’re key to ensuring our beloved floating gadgets don’t end up as an intergalactic junkyard.
And let’s not forget the ‘tumbling’ satellites. When they’re adrift post-service, it’s like watching a drunken robot wobble around in space—definitely not the highlight of satellite maintenance!
The Rolling Telescope Dream
In order to catch these high-speed little troublemakers, the telescope’s *slewing rate* must be on point. Abdul notes that satellites zoom through our sky at speeds many times quicker than the twinkling stars. It’s like trying to spot a sneeze in concert: visibility is tricky, and speed is the name of the game.
Conclusion: Up, Up, and Away!
So, as BRIN rolls out this impressive setup, we can expect to see some dramatic improvements in our ability to monitor and protect our satellites. The cosmos might be vast and empty, but let’s hope we don’t help fill it up with our own junk! All jokes aside, tackling space debris is serious business and, honestly, it means less for the next generation of space lovers to clean up.
For more cosmic capers, check out BRIN prepares a large telescope for satellite observations.
