The world’s first asteroid-hunting telescope has begun operations. The Flyeye-1 telescope, a unique development of the European Space Agency (ESA), was inspired by the vision of a common fly. It has recently successfully passed the key “first light” test. This means that the system, designed for the early detection of asteroids that may collide with the Earth, is officially ready for operation.
The “first light” test at the Space Geodesy Center near Rome was important. Flyeye observed already known asteroids, including 2025 KQ, discovered only two days before. This demonstrated the telescope’s ability to quickly find and track even newly discovered objects.
Unusual optics
The history of our planet is full of devastating collisions with space rocks. And while a global catastrophe is not a matter of tomorrow, the need to be prepared today is obvious. Previously, we were practically defenseless, not even knowing if a dangerous asteroid was heading our way. Today, the situation is changing dramatically.
Flyeye’s secret lies in its revolutionary optics, which copy the structure of an insect’s eye. The incoming light hits the main mirror, but instead of forming a single image, it is split into 16 independent channels. Each channel has its lens and camera, specially tuned to search for extremely dim objects in deep space, such as potentially dangerous asteroids.
It is like looking through 16 mini-telescopes at the same time, or the multi-eyed gaze of an insect. This design allows Flyeye to scan huge areas of the sky in one night with incredible efficiency. The telescope will operate fully automatically, with its observation schedule taking into account even the brightness of the moon and the work of other asteroid hunters like NASA’s ATLAS system.
What happens when a threat is found?
Detection is only the first step. If Flyeye spots a suspicious object, the data will be sent to the ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Center (NEOCC). There, experts will carefully analyze the information, calculate the orbit, and assess the risk.
“The earlier we spot potentially hazardous asteroids, the more time we have to assess them and, if necessary, prepare a response,” emphasizes Richard Moissl, head of the Planetary Defense Office.
If the threat is recognized as real, NEOCC will notify the Minor Planet Center, the world’s asteroid database. Then the development of an international action plan will begin. The most important task is to deflect the asteroid from the Earth. The most promising method today is a kinetic impact by a spacecraft to change the trajectory of the space guest. And every additional day of warning received thanks to Flyeye significantly increases the chances of success.
Global observation network
Currently, Flyeye-1 is being delivered to Sicily, to Mount Monte Mulfara. It is there that it will be installed permanently. But this is only the beginning. The plan is to create a network of four such telescopes in different parts of the world. This will allow us to monitor the entire sky around the clock. If nothing prevents it, the first twin telescope will be operational by 2028.
Flyeye is an advancement in space security for all of humanity. For the first time, we have a specialized, powerful system for the early detection of even small and distant dangerous asteroids. This gives us invaluable time to prepare, assess risks, and, most importantly, take measures to prevent a catastrophe. The peaceful sleep of earthlings has become a little stronger.
Earlier, preparations for the hunt for interstellar objects from other worlds have begun.
According to Popular Science
