A Pocahontas County landmark is getting an extreme makeover.

The world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, located in Green Bank, WV will be undergoing a crucial maintenance project to protect the structural integrity of the structure.

According to a media release from the Green Bank Observatory, engineering firm Modjeski and Masters conducted a comprehensive structural inspection and revealed the need for crucial maintenance to repaint the telescope’s structure.

Painting the telescope will involve a thorough blast cleaning to remove the existing paint and repainting with a modern, three-coat zinc, epoxy, urethane coating system.

The first phase of the project has an initial price tag of over $4.5 million dollars and will focus on portions of the feed arm.

“Thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation, we’re able to begin the first phase of this maintenance project this year,” said Anthony Remijan, GBO Interim Director, “The Green Bank Telescope is a cornerstone of the world’s astronomical research community. We are committed to preserving its integrity and ensuring it continues to serve the scientific community for the next generation of researchers.”

The NSF GBT not only provides crucial data to American and international scientists, but a vital part of West Virginia, as shown by the support of the state’s congressional delegation, including Senator Shelley Moore Capito. “Painting the Green Bank Telescope is not a weekend project— this is a significant effort to help preserve and protect this national treasure from the elements. I am very appreciative that the National Science Foundation recognizes the importance of the discoveries and inspiration GBO specializes in, and I thank them and commend the scientists, students, and explorers who foster the spirit of discovery at GBO,” shared Senator Capito.

Staffers and contractors at the radio telescope anticipate completing the first phase of painting from May to September 2025, with plans to continue the project in 2026 pending additional funding.

The Green Bank Observatory is a major facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation and operated by Associated Universities, Inc.