New Telescope Expands Space Test Training
by U.S. Space Force Brandon Kalloo Sanes
September 30, 2026

The Space Force 593rd Test and Evaluation Squadron recently integrated a new Raven telescope into its training curriculum, providing students with critical, hands-on experience in observing and tracking orbital objects.

Commissioned on September 8, 2026 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Raven will support the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School’s Space Test Course and the 593rd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Space Delta 12, at Edwards Air Force Base. The telescope will prepare Guardians and Airmen to test space systems and determine how well they perform, according to the course’s leaders.

“Graduates of the course are the experts on test and evaluation for the Space Force,” said Maj. James Ross, 593rd TES, assistant director of operations for the STC.“We are forming the cadre that is building the test infrastructure and techniques that the Space Force will use and continue to develop. What they learn at the schoolhouse will have far-reaching impacts in rapidly delivering combat-credible space systems to the joint force.”

Delta 12 operates under Space Training and Readiness Command, or STARCOM, the Space Force field command charged with preparing combat-ready USSF forces to fight and win through education, training, test, and evaluation. For STARCOM, assets like the Raven telescope are essential to building a cadre of test professionals who can rigorously evaluate space capabilities before they are fielded to operational forces in contested environments.

“This event marks a significant step in the growth of space operations at TPS by expanding the hands-on elements that cement the STC learning objectives,” said Andrew Freeborn, technical director for space at the TPS. “The school’s learning philosophy is anchored by the concept of learning by doing.”

Raven is an optical telescope used to observe satellites and other objects in orbit. Systems like the Raven collectively enable the Space Force to monitor the space environment, providing situational awareness to operational crews and commanders.

Previously, the school had no space domain awareness capabilities, so related coursework was based purely on classroom academics. This new telescope allows students to put those classroom lessons into practice while learning how to test and evaluate space capabilities.

“Operational assets such as Raven make the concepts learned in the classroom come alive,” Freeborn said. “This operational experience helps tie the test and evaluation process to the warfighter’s needs in a tangible manner.”

The Air Force Research Laboratory, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron, Mission Delta 2, based in Maui, Hawaii, also partnered with the 593rd to bring Raven to Edwards. When the telescope is not being used for student training on-site, other units can operate it remotely to support additional testing and space-tracking efforts from around the world.

“The Raven itself is a fantastic new addition to the space operations capabilities at the Test Pilot School,” Freeborn said. “I really hope people also take away an awareness of the partnerships built between the Space Force and Air Force that have led us to this event.”

Freeborn explained that the new telescope will better prepare Guardians to operate in the space domain.

“In the end,” he said, “these test leaders will be charged with ensuring our warfighters will be equipped and informed to perform whatever mission our nation requires of them.”

U.S. Space Force | U.S. Department of War

Our Valiant Troops | I Am The One | Uncommon Valor | Veterans | Citizens Like Us | Spouses Serve Too