The Musk Observatory is equipped with a Celestron 14-inch CGE1400 telescope generously sponsored to the Mars Society by the Celestron corporation. Other sponsors include: Le Sueur Manufacturing Inc. which provided the Astro-Pier on which the telescope is mounted, Software Bisque which provided The Sky software, Vince Lanzetta of East Coast Observatories who provided a Sirius Dome at a severely discounted price, Adirondack Video Astronomy which provided the STV Deluxe and ST2000XM CCD Cameras at a discount, High Point Scientific which provided the focal reducer and powermate at a discount, Technical Innovations which provided the Robofocus at a discount, and the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Association, which provided the critical expertise to make the observatory a success.

The opening of the observatory marks a major new addition to the MDRS. It is being used to support both the operations research program of the station itself, and to provide a means for greater direct public involvement in science and space exploration. Starting in late January, the observatory will be made available to school and other groups to control through interaction with the crew several nights each week. Schools, individuals or groups who wish to participate should send an email to astronomy@marssociety.org.