THE MOBILE OBSERVATORY
Astronomy, wherever you are.
Space For Us is building a traveling observatory designed to bring deeper views of the universe directly into communities across Tulsa and beyond.
A TELESCOPE THAT COMES TO YOU
A new place to learn and meet under the night sky.
Space For Us’s Mobile Observatory is being created to take astronomy beyond traditional observatory walls.
Built inside a restored vintage trailer and equipped for observational astronomy, public learning, and future student research, the observatory will travel to neighborhoods, schools, community gatherings, and places where access to astronomy has historically been limited.
The goal is simple:
bring the universe closer.
AI-GENERATED RENDERING.
THE IDEA
Built for looking farther.
Powerful optics will allow visitors to see galaxies, nebulae, planets, star clusters, and other objects far beyond what the unaided eye can reveal.
OBSERVE
The observatory will become a mobile classroom for astronomy, physics, telescope operation, data collection, and scientific inquiry.
LEARN
EXPERIMENT
On cloudy nights and during daytime programs, experiences can extend into spectroscopy, coding, image processing, solar science, and astronomical data + research.
Most importantly, it becomes a gathering place — somewhere people can encounter science together.
CONNECT
1947 Spartan Manor
Tulsa, OK
THE TRAILER’S STORY
It starts with the 1947 Spartan Manor.
The first phase focuses on restoring and adapting the original trailer while preserving the character of its iconic aluminum exterior.
The 1947 Spartan Manor is a piece of American design history - known for its craftsmanship, durability, and timeless aesthetic. We're thoughtfully restoring this vintage trailer and preparing it to house a research-grade telescope, learning space, and infrastructure for community programming.
REAL FOOTAGE OF SPACE FOR US TRAILER
RESTORATION FOCUS
01 —
Preserve the original
aluminum exterior.
02 —
Restore and reinforce
the structure.
03 —
Prepare for integration
with the dome, telescope,
and interior systems.
WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE
More than stargazing.
Deep-Sky Observing
Galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, planets, and other objects through research-grade observational equipment.
Astronomy + Physics
Programs that turn what we see through a telescope into conversations about light, gravity, motion, stars, galaxies, and the structure of the universe.
Solar Astronomy
Daytime observing and hands-on learning about our closest star.
Coding + Data
Opportunities for students to work with astronomical images, datasets, telescope technology, and introductory scientific computing.
Community Science
Future opportunities for participants to contribute observations and data to larger scientific efforts.
From galaxies and nebulae to coding, solar science, and community-based learning, the Mobile Observatory is designed as a place for both wonder and inquiry.
L TO R: CIGAR GALAXY. WHIRLPOOL GALAXY. ORION NEBULA. PLEIDES. 3iATLAS. DUMBELL NEBULA.
SPACE FOR US / PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
We're building it now.
In partnership with Tulsa-based High Prairie Designs, we're transforming a 1947 Spartan Manor into a traveling observatory built for science, discovery, and community.
01
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THE TRAILER
Restoration + Structure
Restoring the Spartan Manor while preserving its iconic aluminum exterior.
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03
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THE EXPERIENCE
Technology + Learning
Creating opportunities for astronomy, physics, coding, and research.
ILLUSTRATIONS BELOW
02
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THE OBSERVATORY
Dome + Telescope
Integrating the dome, telescope, and infrastructure for precise observation.
04
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THE ROAD
Community Deployment
Taking the observatory into neighborhoods, schools, and gathering spaces.
Support the observatory.
Building a mobile observatory takes more than a telescope. Support helps equip the observatory, complete its restoration, develop learning experiences, and bring astronomy directly into communities.
Individuals, foundations, businesses, and technology partners can help build what comes next.
Support the project →