PROVIDENCE: scientific and programmatic roadmap of a 2.5-m adaptive-optics telescope dedicated to space domain awareness, astronomy, and free-space optics

T. Fusco C. Petit N. Védrenne J. Sauvage P. Mayeur G. Leplat P. Guiot R. Fétick L. Mazzolo J. Defrance U. Tricoli F. Dolon M. Ferrari C. Adami S. Basa P. Vernazza L. Jorda B. Neichel

Aug 2026 · Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation · Vol 14149, pp. 141490H - 141490H-12 · 0 citations · 21 references

Engineering

Abstract

Space Domain Awareness (SDA) is crucial for defense and civilian use. Ground based high resolution imaging with large telescopes and adaptive optics can deliver detailed image sequences of resident space objects (RSO), complemented by additional signatures for characterization. ONERA, together with CNRS/OSU Pythéas, is developing the PROVIDENCE project, a 2.5 m tel[2]escope optimized for SDA, equipped with adaptive optics, spectro-imagers and advanced postprocessing. Installed at the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, first light is planned for 2028, making it Europe's unique research platform for space observation, covering LEO and GEO monitoring, astrophysics, quantum communications, solar system studies, and transient astronomy. We describe the scientific roadmap, the programmatic strategy including the development of related tools, prototyping actions, and preliminary results.

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