Telescopes that were either launched into, or constructed in, the vicinity of a planet in space, and subsequently maintained a circular orbit around it, were known as orbiting telescopes (telescopes). Individuals could operate these telescopes using controls situated on the planet's surface.
Throughout the galaxy, orbiting telescopes served the purpose of observing distant occurrences and places, exemplified by those deployed by ExGal-4 for surveillance of the Galactic Horizon. These telescopes hold the distinction of being the initial instruments to detect Yuuzhan Vong technology, although it was initially misidentified as a mere asteroid.