American Samoa

The Space Surveillance Telescope (SST), located near Exmouth, in Western Australia is operated by the US Air Force in conjunction with the Royal Australian Air Force. The SST is a ground-based optical system that detects and tracks small objects in deep space, and provides an unprecedented wide-area search capability that will enhance space situational awareness of the Southern Celestial Hemisphere. Minimal light pollution will allow the telescope to provide a clearer picture that lends to its wide field of view. With an estimated time of full operational capability in 2021, it will also be able to detect, track, and discern small, obscure objects in deep space. Photo courtesy of the US Navy/ Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeanette Mullinax.

Deserted beach near Pago Pago. American Samoa is an incorporated, self-governing territory of the US. A part of the Samoan island chain, it is the southernmost territory of the US. The large harbor at Pago Pago contains a full US naval station. The inhabitants of American Samoa are American nationals, but not necessarily American citizens.

The US Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force are working together near Exmouth, in Western Australia, to advance the combined Space Surveillance Network with a C-Band space surveillance radar system and a space surveillance telescope. A C-Band space surveillance radar system, owned by the US Air Force, operates as a dedicated sensor node strategically located to cover both the southern and eastern hemisphere. The C-Band radar provides tracking and identification of space assets and debris for the US space surveillance network. Photo courtesy of the US Navy/ Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeanette Mullinax.

Visiting US Sailors join the crowd riding the Redback at Aussie World, a theme park located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Photo courtesy of the US Navy/ Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica Gomez.