This dimension separates observatories by their physical platform, a ground-based site, an aircraft or a spacecraft in orbit. Wikipedia notes that "some people still prefer to restrict the term to astronomical observatories," though the same word covers instruments on the ground and in space alike. Browsing by platform keeps ground-based and space-based observatories in their own separate groups.
Facts
Comparison
Field Origin Era Platform
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Space telescope
Wikimedia FoundationSpace telescope, lead sectionQuote, Space telescope, lead section
Suggested by Lyman Spitzer in 1946, the first operational telescopes were the American Orbiting Astronomical Observatory 2 launched in 1968, and the Soviet Orion 1 ultraviolet telescope aboard space station Salyut 1 in 1971.
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