Science

Computer scientist tracks satellites with automated observatory built from off-the-shelf technology

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 07/10/2026, 00:25:25 UTC.

Briefings

Computer scientist Allen Schnibben at Sandia National Laboratories has built a 12-foot-wide automated observatory at the SOHBRIT facility to track satellites. He began his space interest in elementary school by reading about the solar system and later started a hobby of observing the night sky with a telescope in middle school. Schnibben now collects satellite data at Sandia's SOHBRIT facility, a 12-foot-wide observatory. The project represents a significant shift from hobbyist astronomy to professional satellite monitoring using off-the-shelf technology.

Key points

• Allen Schnibben, a computer scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, built a 12-foot-wide automated observatory at Sandia's SOHBRIT facility to track satellites.
• Schnibben's interest in space began in elementary school when he picked up books about the solar system, and he started a telescope hobby in middle school.

Context and limitations

Evidence covers only the initial hobbyist origins of the project and the current facility setup. No operational dates, satellite tracking data, or technical specifications of the automated system are provided.

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