First observations with the Starfire Optical Range 3.5-meter telescope

ABSTRACT Raymond E. RuaneJames M. SpinhirneRichard A. CleisRobert Eager Starfire Optical RangeRockwell Power SystemsAlbuquerque, NM This paper summarizes the design and initial operation of the Starfire Optical Range 3.5—meter telescope. This facility is thecenterpiece of the U.S. Air Force's strategic optical research program for high resolution imaging and laser beam propagation. Areas of research include high resolution imaging of low earth orbit satellites, laser power beaming to satellites, and deep space laser communications. The telescope and mount form the world's largest optical telescope capable of tracking low earthorbit satellites. A major emphasis in the research programs at the SOR is the development of adaptive optics, especially laserbeacon adaptive optics, for large aperture telescopes. We are very much interested in sharing this technology with the astronomycommunity. We welcome discussions and collaborations with astronomers and offer these facilities for their use—for science aswell as instrumentation development. We especially encourage interaction with those developing adaptive optics for astronomy.The facilities at the SOR make an excellent test bed for evaluating instrumentation or observing techniques.Figure 1: Aerial view of the SOR