Story perspectives

Schmidt Couple Funds Four Telescopes to Explore Universe

1/14/2026

45 8

Summary

Story summary

Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, and Wendy Schmidt, his wife, will fund four telescopes, including Lazuli.
Lazuli will have a 3.1-meter mirror and launch by late 2028, with operations starting in 2029.
The Schmidt Observatory System aims to advance understanding of the universe by applying decades of technology.
Schmidt Sciences President Stuart Feldman says the project targets a five-year deadline and favors agile, cost-efficient approaches to NASA.

1 of 1

Story summary

Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, and Wendy Schmidt, his wife, will fund four telescopes, including Lazuli.
Lazuli will have a 3.1-meter mirror and launch by late 2028, with operations starting in 2029.
The Schmidt Observatory System aims to advance understanding of the universe by applying decades of technology.
Schmidt Sciences President Stuart Feldman says the project targets a five-year deadline and favors agile, cost-efficient approaches to NASA.