15 SPSS: The neighborhood watch of space

MAUI SPACE FORCE STATION, Hawaii – The 15th Space Surveillance Squadron operates the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, located at the 10,023 foot-summit of Haleakala on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The 15 SPSS is unique as it fuses Space Domain Awareness Operations and SDA Research and Development. 15 SPSS is a component of Space Delta 2 and also operates experimental systems under the Air Force Research Laboratory. (Courtesy photo)

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DAF extends AMOS STAR Draft EIS comment period following community feedback

Published March 5, 2026
By USSF Combat Forces Command Public Affairs

MAUI, Hawai'i -- Following input from community members on Maui, the Department of the Air Force has extended the public comment period from 45 to 75 days for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Air Force Maui Optical Small Telescope Advanced Research facility. The review period, previously set to expire on March 16, 2026, is now extended to April 15, 2026.

The extension, based off feedback given to 15 Space Surveillance Squadron leadership during public hearings held on Maui February 17-18 regarding the 516-page Draft EIS, provides the community additional time to review the document and submit comments for consideration in the Final EIS.

February’s hearings, held in Kīhei and Pukalani, provided opportunities for the public to learn about the environmental consequences of potentially implementing the Proposed Action and alternatives, as well as provided stakeholders a formal opportunity to provide comments on the Draft EIS.

“It is imperative for us to remain engaged, receptive, and transparent with community members,” said Lt. Col. Doug Thornton, 15 SPSS commander. “As we move through this process, we will continue to have respectful engagements and value the feedback we receive.”

Public feedback will be incorporated and considered in the final EIS, scheduled for publication in the Fall of 2026 with a Record of Decision to follow.

The AMOS STAR proposal involves constructing six to seven domed telescopes on a parcel of land smaller than one-acre. This site is adjacent to the Maui Space Surveillance Complex and is currently under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration. The project is designed to enhance satellite tracking and communication, making it possible to characterize, catalog, and track tens of thousands of space objects. Haleakalā provides a unique and optimal vantage point due to its high elevation, lack of light pollution, and minimal weather impact. These conditions are essential for protecting global infrastructure like GPS and enabling near-equatorial coverage to respond to risks from orbital debris.

The DAF remains committed to engaging with the people of Maui, adherence to the National Environmental Protection Act, and working transparently with the community to enable continued critical national capabilities. Written comments on the proposed action can be submitted any time until April 15, 2026 at https://www.amosstareis.com/.

15 SPSS: The neighborhood watch of space