Research-grade observations are not limited to the permanent facilities of the Clay Center Observatory, thanks to the innovative Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System (MARS).

MARS allows Clay Center astronomers to operate tracking telescopes anywhere in the world, making it possible to record localized astronomical events such as occultations, solar eclipses, and meteor showers, as well as other location-specific events such as rocket launches, suborbital space flights, engineering drop tests, and satellite reentries. Moreover, MARS provides rapid-deployment capabilities for sites in the United States and Canada that allow the Clay Center to respond to late-developing opportunities and unplanned weather contingencies.

The heart of the MARS program is a group of seven custom-manufactured high-speed gimbals, each capable of carrying multiple diffraction-limited telescopes outfitted with visible, infrared, and spectrometric sensors. Total payload limit exceeds 200 kg. The available sensors run from ultraviolet to infrared (300 nm to 1.7μ) and can be operated at focal lengths from F=12 mm to F=6100 mm. The largest MARS telescope can resolve 0.4 arcsecond — equivalent to a resolution of one meter from nearly 500 km away.

In 2008 the existing international capabilities of MARS were upgraded with the addition of a purpose-built van that now serves as the mobile control center for tracking and research field operations in the United States and Canada.

•  Specifications for the MARS optical system and its detectors are tabulated here.
•  Specifications for the MARS tracking and communications systems are tabulated here.

One of seven custom-manufactured MARS gimbals, configured here on a NASA deployment to Costa Rica for imagery of a Space Shuttle reentry.

Observing Campaigns
Since its development, MARS has been deployed for a wide range of campaigns both on the ground and in airborne applications. MARS instruments have been adapted for use for tracking and imaging aircraft, orbiting spacecraft, suborbital launches, balloon deployments to 100,000 feet, extreme skydiving from 30 km altitude, and laser experiments with orbiting assets.

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Contact us if you wish to discuss deploying MARS tracking cameras for your program.