Matera Laser Ranging observatory

The Matera Laser Ranging Observatory (MLRO) is a high-precision satellite and lunar laser ranging facility at the Centro di Geodesia Spaziale in Matera, Italy, run by the Italian Space Agency.

About Matera Laser Ranging Observatory

MLRO is one of the most advanced stations in its field, built around a 1.5-metre astronomical-quality telescope with multiple focal configurations, including Cassegrain, Coude, and Nasmyth setups. It is a member of the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS), an international network that fires laser pulses at satellites and the Moon to measure their positions with extraordinary precision.

History

The current MLRO system was installed in 2002, replacing an earlier satellite laser ranging system that had operated at the site from 1983 to 2002, giving the facility a continuous laser ranging heritage stretching back decades.

Telescopes & research

MLRO conducts satellite laser ranging, lunar laser ranging, and high-precision geodetic measurements, contributing data used to track Earth's shape, rotation, and satellite orbits. Its highly automated optical system allows it to operate efficiently as part of the global ILRS tracking network.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Matera, in southern Italy's Basilicata region, a city known for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings as well as its space geodesy work.

Visiting Matera Laser Ranging Observatory

As an active space geodesy research facility rather than a public viewing site, MLRO is not generally set up for casual visitors. Anyone interested in touring the facility should check the Italian Space Agency's official channels before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

MLRO's precision tracking of objects in space is a striking counterpart to the precise coordinates behind every Star Register naming. Browse your own named star's position any time in our star catalogue.