Part of the Haleakala Observatory
Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance, or GEODSS, is an optical system that uses telescopes, low-light level TV cameras, and computers. It replaced an older system of six 20 inch (half meter) Baker-Nunn cameras using photographic film.
GEODSS tracks objects in deep space, or from about 3,000 mi (4,800 km) out to beyond geosynchronous altitudes. GEODSS requires nighttime and clear weather tracking because of the inherent limitations of an optical system. Each site has three telescopes. The telescopes have a 40-inch (1.02 m) aperture and a two-degree field of view. The telescopes are able to "see" objects 10,000 times dimmer than the human eye can detect. This sensitivity, and sky background during daytime that masks satellites reflected light, dictates that the system operate at night.
GEODSS site, Maui
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By WacoKidd110 @ 2013-03-19 13:15:04
Anonymous
@ 2015-01-17 12:33:12
Aloha, My name is Doug Jackson and I've been in the business for a while. I worked with Randley Jenkins and Dave McKee on Kwajalein. We were Army contractors then but most of my career is with the AF. I am trying to reach either just to catch up after the years since. I am from Hawaii and lived on Maui quite a while ago but before beginning my career in this business. In any case I'm trying to contact Randley and/or Dave for old times sake. If they are still employed there I'd like to call them. If not would you please forward this message to them? Mahalo, Doug Jackson
Anonymous
@ 2020-12-03 09:48:31
I was one of the original contractors for the GEODSS Maui installation. In fact, I was part of the crew that installed and built the system. I was among the people that fired the system up on Maui for the first time. Worked there in early 80's when the first contract was awarded. Doug, Chad, Gary, Sam, Juan, Tom and the rest....