Vital repainting project will extend lifespan of world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope
The U.S. National Science Foundation Green Bank Observatory (NSF GBO) is embarking on a crucial maintenance project to protect the structural integrity of the NSF Green Bank Telescope (NSF GBT), the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. The NSF GBT has been serving the scientific community for 25 years.
In 2021, a comprehensive structural inspection by the engineering firm Modjeski and Masters revealed the need for crucial maintenance to repaint the telescope’s structure. Paint provides a protective barrier between the telescope’s structure and the elements, preventing corrosion, and ensuring the strength and integrity of the structure. In particular, the feed arm was identified as a high priority for repainting. This part of the telescope extends high above the 100-meter dish, and holds vital components including the receivers and subreflector, which focus and process the radio waves observed by the telescope.
Painting the telescope will involve a thorough blast cleaning to remove the existing paint and repainting with a modern, three-coat zinc, epoxy, urethane coating system. Liberty Maintenance, Inc., of Youngstown, Ohio, has been selected as the contractor for this critical work, with an initial commitment of $4.5 million for the first phase focusing on portions of the feed arm.
“Thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation, we’re able to begin the first phase of this maintenance project this year,” said Anthony Remijan, GBO Interim Director, “The Green Bank Telescope is a cornerstone of the world’s astronomical research community. We are committed to preserving its integrity and ensuring it continues to serve the scientific community for the next generation of researchers.”
The NSF GBT is recognized not only as a fundamental tool for American and international scientists, but a vital part of West Virginia, as shown by the continued support of the state’s congressional leaders, including Senator Shelley Moore Capito. “Painting the Green Bank Telescope is not a weekend project— this is a significant effort to help preserve and protect this national treasure from the elements. I am very appreciative that the National Science Foundation recognizes the importance of the discoveries and inspiration GBO specializes in, and I thank them and commend the scientists, students, and explorers who foster the spirit of discovery at GBO,” shared Senator Capito.
NSF GBO staff and contractors anticipate completing the first phase of painting from May to September 2025, with plans to continue the project in 2026 pending additional funding.
About the Green Bank Observatory
The Green Bank Observatory is a major facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation and operated by Associated Universities, Inc