Maintenance on the 140-ft Polar Shaft

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Maintenance on the 140-ft Polar Shaft

The largest polar shaft of any telescope in the world is a part of the 140-foot (43-meter) radio telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia. Its surface is covered in thermal insulating foam, the same foam used by the Space Shuttles’ External Tanks. Over time it cracks and flakes, so a crew (like the one pictured here) comes in to remove and reapply the foam.

Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.