The T150 telescope will be dedicated to the detection and tracking of potentially hazardous asteroids, satellites and space debris. It will also become the third wide-field telescope at the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory (OAJ). Today, the Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón (CEFCA) launched the public procurement procedure for this new facility, with interested companies able to submit bids until 20 July.

With a maximum tender budget of €9,098,373.97 (VAT included) and an estimated contract value of €7,519,317.33, this project represents a major milestone for the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory (OAJ) in Teruel. In addition to the design and supply of the telescope itself, the contract includes the preparation of the building design project, the dome specifications, and construction supervision services for the civil works, with a total implementation period of 30 months.

The acquisition of this new telescope forms part of the OAJ Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and will enable the study of minor bodies within the Solar System, the monitoring of space debris, and contributions to planetary defence through the discovery and tracking of asteroids and other near-Earth objects (NEOs). The telescope will combine a 1.5-metre primary mirror with a very wide field of view, allowing large regions of the sky to be surveyed rapidly and efficiently.

This new facility further strengthens the Observatory’s position as a Spanish Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) and aligns its capabilities with the European Union’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) programme, reinforcing its role as a contributor to international space safety and orbital sustainability. The project builds upon the extensive expertise of the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory in the development and operation of wide-field astronomical facilities.

The design, supply and installation of the telescope may be co-financed by the European Union’s Just Transition Fund, as the project is included in the Spain Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027, specifically under Priority 5, Sub-priority 4, “Promotion of Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&I), ICT Integration and Digital Transformation”. More specifically, it falls under Action Type 4.03, “Telescope Station for Planetary Defence and the Detection and Tracking of Space Debris”. The expected co-financing rate is 50%, with an estimated maximum EU contribution of €4.5 million.

The preparation of the building design project, the associated civil works, and the corresponding construction supervision services are funded by the Government of Spain and the Government of Aragón through the Teruel Investment Fund.

The CEFCA Foundation is the public entity responsible for the scientific and operational management of the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory, which has become an internationally recognised centre for astronomical research. With this new addition, the province of Teruel further consolidates its position as a strategic hub for astrophysical research and space surveillance.