SMRTR Science & EngineeringSep 3, 2025Interesting Engineering

Rectangle-shaped mega telescope could spot Earth-like alien worlds in just 3 years

SMRTR summary

A rectangular space telescope could detect Earth-like planets in nearby star systems within three years, according to researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The proposed 1x20 meter telescope would observe in mid-infrared wavelengths, potentially identifying 30 Earth-like planets within 30 light-years and examining their atmospheres for signs of life—all using existing technology rather than requiring complex engineering advancements.

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