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## Saishiteng Mountain Astronomy Base ### Overview Saishiteng Mountain in northwestern Qinghai province, on the Tibetan plateau, is the site of China's planned world-largest astronomy base, according to project scientists (SCMP, June 2026). Construction is underway on optical telescopes that would make it the largest such facility globally by the mid-2030s, according to project scientists (SCMP, June 2026). ### Technical Specifications Deng Licai, lead scientist for site planning at the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) in Beijing, said the telescopes at Saishiteng Mountain would stretch between 6.5 metres and 14.5 metres across (SCMP, June 2026). The facility would partner with dozens of additional instruments, according to project scientists (SCMP, June 2026). ### Strategic Context The project is part of China's broader push for scientific leadership in astronomy and space observation, complementing its lunar program (Chang'e series), space station operations (Tiangong), and investments in quantum and AI-driven scientific computing. The Tibetan plateau's altitude and atmospheric conditions make it among the world's premier sites for optical astronomy. The NAOC, which leads site planning, is a major institution under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Saishiteng project represents a significant state investment in scientific infrastructure designed to produce independent observational capability at the frontier of astrophysics. ### Geopolitical Dimension A world-leading astronomy base in China would reduce dependence on international telescope access (e.g., ESO facilities in Chile, US observatories) and provide independent data for areas including space object tracking, exoplanet research, and cosmological observation relevant to both scientific and potential national security applications. ### Timeline Project scientists indicated the facility is on track to be the world's largest astronomy base by the mid-2030s (SCMP, June 2026). ### Open Questions - Whether international collaboration will be incorporated into the facility's operational model. - Competitive implications for European Southern Observatory and US-led astronomy infrastructure investment. - Dual-use potential of high-resolution optical telescope arrays for space domain awareness.