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FTN-Observatory Node Information

FTN-STEM Outreach

FTN-Resources

Falcon Telescope Network

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The Falcon Telescope Network is a global network of small aperture (20 inch) telescopes developed by the Center for Space Situational Awareness Research (CSSAR) in the Department of Physics at the United States Air Force Academy in collaboration with our educational partners. It will be shared with U.S. and international university partners for the purpose of undergraduate space situational awareness and astronomy research education as well as community Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach.

Equipment

The Academy provides the necessary equipment for the installation of each node in the network, while the partners provide the buildings that house the telescopes and the infrastructure needed to support the observatory.

Centrally Controlled

FTN control is housed on an Academy Cadet Space Operations Center (CSOC) server and is based on an architecture designed to facilitate remote use by multiple users.

Physical Growth

The journey began in 2010 when CSSAR, partnering with four higher educational institutes in Colorado, developed the idea. The 4 institutes in Colorado have now become 13 global institutes where observatories will be located.

Contact Us

Our Location

If you have questions about FTN, would like more information about utilizing the telescopes, or have questions concerning STEM Outreach opportunities, please contact the Falcon Telescope Network

USAFA/DFP
2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 2A111
USAF Academy, CO 80840