The former Soviet Union launched its first man-made earth satellite in 1957. In the same year, Chinese Academy of Sciences established Urumqi Observatory (UO) in Xinjiang to track the orbit of the man-made satellite. For more than 50 years, we have tracked and observed the first man-made satellite of China and various scientific experiment satellites and have made a great contribution to China's aerospace industry. We also observed and trackedsatellites and aircrafts of the former Soviet Union and the United States, providing large amounts of data for the security of China. In 2004, the 40 centimeters precision photoelectric telescope was built in Nanshan base of Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory, carrying out observations and research of space target and debris. In recent years, the telescope involved inspace debris collision warning observation of "Shenzhou" series manned spacecraft and observation of the precision orbit determination of spacecraft. It also participated in space debris collision warning observations of "Chang'e I" and "Chang'e II" satellites. Meanwhile, the telescope has carried out observational research of satellite dynamics and space geodesy.

The Nanshan base of Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory will build a 1 m wide-field telescope and several optical telescopes for the observations and research of space target and debris.

Space Target and Debris Observation Lab of Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory is a member of the Observation Research Center of Space Target and Debris, Chinese academy of sciences.

There are 12 scientists and technicians in Space Target and Debris Observation Lab of Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory.