Schmidt Sciences to fund new space telescope and observatories
Schmidt Sciences, backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy, recently announced major funding for astronomical infrastructure. This includes a new space telescope named Lazuli, larger than Hubble, plus three innovative ground-based observatories.
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System combines Lazuli—a 3-meter space telescope for exoplanet studies, supernovae, and gravitational waves—with ground facilities like the Argus Array for sky monitoring, LFAST for spectroscopy, and DSA for radio imaging. All aim to be operational by 2029, emphasizing rapid development and open data access for global scientists.
Costs for Lazuli alone reach hundreds of millions, with Schmidt Sciences leading development rather than just granting funds. The initiative complements NASA and NSF efforts, avoiding overlap while accelerating timelines frustrated by public funding delays.
