China’s observatory in Chile in doubt as US raises concerns about potential military use
A planned Chinese observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, estimated to cost US$80 million, is facing potential cancellation due to concerns raised by US officials regarding its possible military applications. The Chilean government is currently reviewing the project, which was a partnership between a local university and the National Astronomical Observatory of China (NAOC), and has not ruled out blocking the agreement.
The observatory, intended to be built on Cerro Ventarrones, a prime location for astronomical studies, was designed to host approximately 100 telescopes for tracking deep-space events and near-Earth objects. This project is part of China's broader space strategy, which includes similar initiatives in Argentina and Venezuela. While Chilean scientists were to have limited access to the facilities, they were expected to participate in joint research with their Chinese counterparts.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
A planned Chinese observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, estimated to cost US$80 million, is facing potential cancellation due to concerns raised by US officials regarding its possible military applications. The Chilean government is currently reviewing the project, which was a partnership between a local university and the National Astronomical Observatory of China (NAOC), and has not ruled out blocking the agreement.
The observatory, intended to be built on Cerro Ventarrones, a prime location for astronomical studies, was designed to host approximately 100 telescopes for tracking deep-space events and near-Earth objects. This project is part of China's broader space strategy, which includes similar initiatives in Argentina and Venezuela. While Chilean scientists were to have limited access to the facilities, they were expected to participate in joint research with their Chinese counterparts.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
