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X-ray astronomy in an effort to capitalize on the wealth of information provided by the Einstein Satellite (the orbiting HEAO-2 X-ray telescope) which stopped operating late in April 1981. In addition, a strengthening of the solar physics program is planned through phasing of additional resources into the Langley-Abbot program. 

The MMT is almost fully operational, being used about 80 percent or more for scientific observations, and should be fully utilized by the end of FY 1983. Its performance characteristics exceed the original design specifications established back in 1972. The site on which the MMT is located is an excellent site in terms of astronomical seeing quality. The combination of excellent telescope performance and site characteristics results in the MMT's being the best infrared telescope in the world. Improvements in the optics are needed, however, in order to be able to take full advantage of the excellent astronomical seeing qualities of the site. These improvements are to be initiated during the current planning period. 

X-ray, infrared, and visible light detectors are critical components to SAO's research and, as such, there is a need to establish an ongoing program for the development and testing of detectors to be used in instruments for making ground-based and space-borne observations. In addition, SAO's image processing facility will have to be expanded to provide for the timely processing of the large quantities of X-ray, optical and infrared data obtained from instruments using state-of-the-art detectors, as well as data obtained through very long baseline radioastronomy. 

During the planning period, improvements are to be made in the 60-inch telescope located at the Whipple Observatory on Mount Hopkins. These improvements include refiguring of the mirror, improving the tracking and pointing system and installing an autoguider system. These improvements should result in higher quality data and allow the telescope to be used for taking of photographs of astronomical objects. A remote observing program is also to be implemented during the current planning period. This will have the advantages of (a) reducing travel costs, (b) allowing scientists to spend more time on the analysis and interpretation of data, (c) providing for the timely and possible near-real time processing of data, and (d) making more effective use of the telescope by scheduling observations on the basis of compatibility with one another (i.e., objects to be observed, instruments to be used, wavelength in which observations are to be made, etc.).

Facilities development and related operational needs, primarily for the Whipple Observatory, will be sought over this period. Major improvements of the road from the base of the mountain to the summit will be completed in FY 1983. A standby emergency power system to avoid full shutdown of the facility will need to be sought over the planning period. It also will be important to obtain the necessary resources for passenger vehicles and assorted road maintenance equipment. Plans are also developing for a major improvement to base camp facilities at the Whipple Observatory, and authorization will be sought to purchase the existing leased land.