Planning Application For Telescope Systems

A planning application has been submitted on behalf of the UK Space Agency seeking permission for the “installation of three telescope systems, together with the infrastructure necessary for their operation, including individual concrete bases, electrical power and data/internet connectivity” in the east end.

The application summary stated, “Proposed installation of three telescope systems, with the necessary infrastructure for their operation [clamshell domes], including individual concrete bases/slabs, three weather mounting masts, enclosed fencing 8-foot- high [Max] and double sliding access gate [16-foot x 8-foot-high [Max].

A letter submitted with the application stated, “The proposed development is situated on vacant Bermuda Airport Authority property within Cooper’s Island. The site is predominantly zoned Parkland, with Nature Reserve zoning located in the surrounding area. The proposed telescope installation has been carefully positioned to maintain a separation of more than 15 feet from the Nature Reserve zoning.

Rendering extracted from the planning application

“The proposed development forms part of the UK Space Agency’s expansion of its National Space Operations Centre telescope observation capability. The installation will comprise three specialist optical telescopes used to observe and track objects in orbit and contribute to international efforts relating to space safety and sustainability.

“The telescopes will be owned by the UK Space Agency and will support international space sustainability initiatives, including work associated with the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space [COPUOS], the European Space Agency Zero Debris Charter, and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee [IADC] observations working group.

“The observations undertaken by the facility will contribute to the safe operation of satellites providing critical services internationally, including weather monitoring, Earth observation and risk assessment, natural-disaster response, maritime monitoring, deforestation monitoring, GPS/GNSS navigation and timing, and global communications.

“Bermuda’s geographic location provides an important opportunity to extend the observational range of the National Space Operations Centre and contribute to this growing international network.

Benefits to Bermuda

“In addition to its strategic purpose, hosting the telescope facility has the potential to provide a number of benefits to Bermuda, including:

• Commercial opportunities through the potential future interest of space-sector companies and organisations seeking to co-locate or establish related activities in Bermuda.
• Local employment and contracting opportunities associated with construction, installation, civil works, electrical and communications infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance.
• Support for the local economy through the use of Bermuda-based contractors, consultants, accommodation, restaurants, transportation and other services by visiting installation, technical and maintenance personnel.
• Educational and community outreach opportunities, including the potential provision of telescope data and imagery, presentations, and engagement with Bermuda’s schools and local communities.
• Increased international exposure for Bermuda through the project’s association with the UK Space Agency and its potential inclusion in international conferences, events, research initiatives and media releases.
• Access to the expanding global space economy, providing opportunities for Bermuda to participate in and benefit from continued growth and diversification within this sector.

Proposed Development

“The DAP 1 application proposes the installation of three telescope systems, together with the infrastructure necessary for their operation, including individual concrete bases, electrical power and data/internet connectivity.

“Each telescope will be housed within a purpose-built clamshell-style dome, which will remain closed when the telescope is not in operation and open during nighttime observations. Representative images and details of the proposed telescope systems are included within the accompanying architectural drawing set.

“The telescopes require relatively unobstructed views of the sky, particularly toward the south, together with low levels of surrounding light pollution. Cooper’s Island therefore provides an advantageous setting for the proposed facility.

“Importantly, the telescope systems will not emit light during operation and will operate essentially silently. A faint mechanical sound may be generated for a short period while the clamshell domes are opening or closing; however, the telescope systems themselves are silent during observational use. The proposed facility is therefore anticipated to have minimal operational impact on the surrounding parkland environment.

“The telescope compound will occupy an area approximately 73′-10″ x 47′-7″ and will be enclosed by an 8-foot-high green plastic-coated chain-link fence, selected to visually recede into the surrounding landscape. Access will be provided by a 16-foot-wide sliding gate to facilitate installation, servicing and maintenance.

“The project team recognises the environmental importance of Cooper’s Island and the need for the proposed installation to respond sensitively to its Parkland setting and the nearby Nature Reserve areas.

“In addition to carefully positioning the telescope compound away from the Nature Reserve zoning, the project seeks to support the objectives of the Cooper’s Island Conservation Management Plan through the proposed removal and management of invasive vegetation within and immediately surrounding the project area.

“The project also presents an opportunity to support conservation objectives at Cooper’s Island through the management of invasive vegetation while establishing Bermuda as an active participant in an internationally significant programme supporting space safety and sustainability.”

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