US military accommodates astronomers

Article Abstract:

Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) officials acceded to astronomers concerned that a planned SDI orbiting nuclear reactor would prevent the proper functioning of astronomical satellites. SDI had intended to launch its Topaz 2 reactor in 1995 to an altitude of 1,600 kilometers where it would cause NASA's Compton Gamma Ray Observatory and other satellites to receive interfering signals. SDI planners agreed in Jan 1993 to send Topaz 2 to a 6,000 kilometer height where the astronomers hope it will interfere less.

Planning, Protection and preservation, Orbiting astronomical observatories, Astronomical satellites, Nuclear reactors, Strategic Defense Initiative

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Small telescopes may be auctioned off under US 'privatization' plan

Article Abstract:

The restructuring of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO) includes a proposal for the closure or sale of its small telescopes. The restructuring is due to poor funding of the NOAO by the National Science Foundation. NOAO will build three new instruments to compensate for the decrease in the number of telescopes. Organizations using the small telescopes will have to conduct their research in private observatories, probably by pooling their resources.

United States, Science and technology policy, Astronomical observatories, National Optical Astronomy Observatory

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US astronomers draw up their wish list for a decade of funding

Article Abstract:

The US National Academy of Sciences has organized a planning exercise which has involved more than 100 astronomers drawing up a 10-year plan for astronomy and astrophysics. The key recommendation is the Next Generation Space Telescope.

Astronomical research

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