TBAD is installed at both Gemini Telescopes

TBAD receiver unit mounted on the top ring of the Gemini North truss.

The Transponder-Based Aircraft Detector (TBAD) is now successfully installed at both Gemini telescopes. The system is currently being integrated into the Laser Guide Star (LGS) systems at each telescope. The purpose of this system is to protect aircraft from accidental illumination during laser guide star adaptive optics operation.

To learn more about TBAD at Gemini see this article starting on page 15 of the October 2014 issue of GeminiFocus, PDF (e-reader version).