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Astronomy | Wide-Field Fast Telescope

Wide-Field Fast Telescope

The Wide-Field Fast Telescope is the new telescope at the Montsec Observatory (OdM), managed by the IEEC. 

This is a 40 cm reflector telescope equipped with a high-resolution, wide-field camera, which will become operational for the scientific community from 2026, once the commissioning phase and the development of the control system and auxiliary equipment are complete.

The project for the Wide-Field Fast Telescope (TRAC, Telescopi Ràpid d’Ample Camp) has been funded under the CERCAGINYS III call for the development of scientific infrastructure and involves the participation of the IEEC, the Institute for High Energy Physics (IFAE), through the Scientific Information Port (PIC), and the i2CAT research centre. The telescope is managed cooperatively, coordinated by the IEEC, and expands and complements the OdM’s observational capabilities, alongside the Joan Oró Telescope (TJO) and the Fabra-ROA-Montsec Telescope (TFRM).

Thanks to its speed and wide field of view, TRAC will enable research in the observation of near-Earth asteroids, the tracking of satellites and space debris, and the study of low-surface-brightness astronomical phenomena. Moreover, it is expected to incorporate optical communication technologies with satellites in the near future.

Research

TRAC will enable research and tracking of asteroids, low-surface-brightness objects and space debris, among others.

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Instrumentation

TRAC is equipped with a CMOS type camera, with high resolution and sensitivity.

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Wide-Field Fast Telescope

Research

TRAC will have the capability to carry out:

  • Observations of near-Earth and potentially hazardous asteroids: search and tracking of near-Earth objects (NEOs) and inner solar system asteroids, monitoring of lunar flashes from asteroid impacts, and observations of stellar occultations by asteroids.
  • Low-surface-brightness astronomy: deep and wide-field observations of regions around galaxies to conduct studies on statistics and galactic evolution.
  • Space surveillance and tracking (SST) of satellites and space debris: tracking of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) objects in coordination with the TJO and TFRM.
  • Optical communications with satellite networks: development of high-capacity data transfer systems using optical communications, as a technology demonstration experiment.

TRAC will enhance the capabilities of the OdM and help further establish the Sant Esteve de la Sarga area as a site of significant potential for astronomical observation and the development of space technologies, bringing new complementary and high-impact interests from both the national and international space industry as well as from scientific and technological organisations.

Wide-Field Fast Telescope

Instrumentation

  • Optical tube: ASA H400 f/2.4, reflector type, 40 cm in diameter.
  • Mount: ASA DDM100, an equatorial mount with high load capacity and high pointing and tracking speed.
  • Camera: QHY 411M Pro, CMOS type, with high resolution and sensitivity.
  • Dome: AstroHaven, clamshell type (full opening).
  • Control system: developed by the IEEC and based on the robotic control system of the TJO.