Astronomical Research Group and Observatory (ARGO)

The Astronomical Research Group and Observatory, based at the USAFA Observatory, houses a one-meter Ritchey–Chrétien telescope installed in 2019, and a 0.5-meter Ritchey–Chrétien telescope installed in 2023. The 0.5-meter telescope supports the worldwide Falcon Telescope Network (FTN), acting as a test bed for trouble shooting and upgrades for the 12-telescope network. The onemeter system contains a large-format camera, and a high-resolution Whoppshel spectroscope.

ARGO conducts deep space research including asteroid tracking, supernova phenomena, and exoplanet studies. ARGO supports four academic courses, the Center for Space Situational Awareness (CSSAR), Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center (SPARC), and the USAFA Physics and Astronomy Club. Some of the organizations ARGO partners with include the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society (CSAstro), American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), Colorado College, Embry Riddle Daytona, and Colorado Mountain College.