ukirt

Lockheed Martin is planning to study the near-earth space debris and asteroids using the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) located at Maunakea in Hawaii, US.

As part of the study, Lockheed Martin will evaluate the potential impact of orbital debris on operating satellites, global communication, weather prediction, resource management, disaster preparedness and commerce.

The company has partnered with the University of Arizona to operate the UKIRT, which is said to be one of the productive observatories in the world.

"We plan to grow capability and continue addressing pressing questions about our universe, as well as the space surrounding our planet."

The partnership expands the company’s support in research from the study of orbital debris to deep space astronomy.

Lockheed Martin programme manager Matthew Bold said: "Our team, composed of the universities of Arizona and Hawaii and Nasa, will extend the life of this important telescope.

"We plan to grow capability and continue addressing pressing questions about our universe, as well as the space surrounding our planet."

Last month, the ownership of UKIRT was transferred to the University of Hawaii from the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council.

While continuing to study the evolution of the universe from the big bang to present, UKIRT will explore near-earth space debris and asteroids.

Lockheed Martin is working in partnership with Nasa Orbital Debris programme office at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Image: Lockheed Martin will use UKIRT to study near-earth space debris and asteroids. Photo: courtesy of UKIRT.

Defence Technology