Your First Telescope for Real Discovery

As a beginner’s first telescope, the SpaceProbe 3 offers impressive light-gathering power to reveal lunar craters, planetary detail, and star clusters. It’s a complete, reliable package for starting your journey into astronomy.

Engineered for Clear, Easy Observation

Built with a proven Newtonian reflector design, the SpaceProbe 3 combines a powerful 76mm aperture with a stable platform. Key features are selected to deliver clear, satisfying views and a frustration-free experience.
The optical tube assembly of the Orion SpaceProbe 3 telescope showing the aperture opening.

Explore the Night Sky with Confidence

Unlock the cosmos and see the universe in stunning detail. This telescope transforms your backyard into a personal observatory, making astronomy accessible and exciting for everyone.
Orion SpaceProbe 3 Telescope pointed at a starry night sky showing the Moon.

Stunning Planetary Views

Gather enough light to reveal the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and Jupiter's moons in clear, satisfying detail.

Close-up of the Orion SpaceProbe 3 telescope eyepiece and focuser.

Immediate Stargazing Fun

The included tripod and eyepieces mean you can set up and start observing within minutes of opening the box.

The Orion SpaceProbe 3 telescope fully assembled on its tripod in a backyard.

Stable & Reliable Support

The sturdy tripod and durable construction ensure stable, shake-free views that last all night long.

The two included eyepieces for the Orion SpaceProbe 3 telescope displayed on a surface.

Learn As You Observe

The included MoonMap and software help you identify exactly what you're looking at, deepening your understanding.

The Orion SpaceProbe 3 telescope tripod legs extended and locked.

Beyond the Solar System

The powerful optics can gather light from fainter star clusters, opening up a wider window to the deep sky.

Designed For

Ideal for Your Stargazing Journey

First-Time Family Astronomy

Perfect for families and children beginning their exploration of the night sky. The easy setup fosters shared discovery and a lifelong interest in science.

Casual Hobbyist Observation

A reliable, portable choice for hobbyists who want clear planetary views without complex equipment. Take it to darker skies for better results.

Educational & Group Settings

An excellent, affordable option for science classes, scouts, or astronomy clubs to demonstrate celestial objects and inspire group learning.

Thoughtful Science Gift

Makes a memorable, inspiring gift for anyone curious about space, birthdays, or holidays. Provides an immediate, hands-on connection to the universe.

Portable Backyard Stargazing

Compact and lightweight enough for travel. Take it camping or to a rural location away from city lights to observe the Milky Way and deep-sky objects.

Quick Celestial Event Viewing

Serves as a dedicated, grab-and-go telescope for quickly checking out a lunar eclipse, planetary alignment, or meteor shower.

Getting Started Guide

From Unboxing to First Light

Follow these simple steps to unbox, assemble, and begin your first observing session with the SpaceProbe 3. Each step ensures a smooth transition from setup to stargazing.
Hands unpacking the Orion SpaceProbe 3 telescope components from its box.

Unpack All Components

Carefully unpack all components: the optical tube, tripod, eyepieces, and accessories. Verify everything is included using the parts list.

Adjusting the leg locks on the Orion SpaceProbe 3 tripod.

Set Up the Stable Tripod

Extend and lock the aluminum tripod legs to a comfortable height. Ensure it is on stable, level ground for steady views.

Attaching the optical tube to the tripod mount on the Orion SpaceProbe 3.

Mount the Optical Tube

Securely attach the optical tube to the tripod mount using the provided mounting hardware. Follow the diagram for proper orientation.

Inserting the 25mm eyepiece into the focuser of the telescope.

Install Eyepiece & Aim

Insert the 25mm eyepiece for low-power, wide-field viewing. Point the telescope at a distant daytime object to practice aiming and focusing.

A person looking through the Orion SpaceProbe 3 telescope eyepiece at night.

Observe the Moon

As night falls, use the included MoonMap to locate the Moon. Slowly pan across its surface, adjusting the focus knob for the sharpest view.

A computer screen showing astronomy software with a star chart.

Explore the Planets

Use the Astronomer Inside software to identify visible planets. Aim at Jupiter or Saturn and use the 10mm eyepiece for higher-power views of rings and moons.

From Our Community

Real Experiences from New Stargazers

Read what new astronomers are saying about their first experiences with the SpaceProbe 3. Discover how this telescope is helping beginners make their first incredible cosmic connections.
I bought this for my 10-year-old, and we were both amazed. We saw Jupiter and its moons on our first night out. The instructions were clear, and setup was a breeze. A fantastic introduction to astronomy.
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Sam K.
For a beginner scope, the views are surprisingly sharp. I was able to see the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings. It's a solid, well-made instrument that gives you real performance without breaking the bank.
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Alex P.
I was nervous about assembling a telescope, but this was straightforward. Within an hour, I was looking at the Moon and seeing craters in incredible detail. The included tripod is very stable.
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Taylor M.
Bought this as a gift for my partner who always wanted a telescope. The excitement on their face seeing Saturn's rings for the first time was priceless. The MoonMap is a great educational touch.
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Jordan R.
The optics are crisp and bright. I was impressed by how little vibration there is once set up. It makes a big difference when trying to focus on a specific feature on the Moon or a planet.
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Casey B.
This telescope has sparked a real interest in space for my children. They love using the software to identify constellations. It's durable enough to handle by curious young astronomers.
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Robin L.

Your First Telescope Questions Answered

Have questions about getting started with your first telescope? We cover the essentials of setup, what you can observe, and how to care for your new instrument.
Yes, the SpaceProbe 3 is specifically designed for beginners. Its simple, sturdy construction and included accessories make assembly quick and intuitive. Most users are observing within 20-30 minutes, and the included software guides you through your first night.
You can see breathtaking details on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter and its four main moons, and brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and star clusters. It’s an ideal instrument for exploring our solar system and beyond.
For best results, store the telescope in a dry, temperature-stable area and keep the dust caps on when not in use. The aluminum tripod can be wiped down with a soft cloth. Always handle the optical tube carefully to protect the mirror alignment.
The package includes the optical tube, a stable aluminum tripod, two quality Sirius Plossl eyepieces (10mm and 25mm), a MoonMap 260, and Astronomer Inside software. Everything you need to start observing is right in the box.
Its 76mm aperture gathers nearly 120 times more light than the human eye alone, and the 700mm focal length provides sharp, high-power views. This Newtonian reflector design offers exceptional optical performance at this price point for serious beginners.
While its primary strength is planetary and lunar observation, the 76mm aperture can reveal brighter deep-sky objects like the Pleiades star cluster and the Andromeda Galaxy under dark skies, offering a genuine taste of deep-space viewing.
Person setting up the Orion SpaceProbe 3 telescope in a backyard at dusk.
View through a telescope eyepiece showing a cratered lunar surface.
Enhance Your Observing

Essential Accessories & Guides

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SkyQuest Dobsonian Telescopes

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Dobsonian Telescope

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope combines a powerful 8-inch aperture with point-and-view simplicity, making it the ideal instrument for beginners to discover the solar system and deep-sky wonders in bright, vibrant detail.

An Orion StarBlast telescope set up on a table under a starry night sky
StarBlast Telescopes

Orion StarBlast Telescope

Explore the Orion StarBlast telescope collection, a range of beginner-friendly reflectors designed for stunning lunar and planetary views. Compare tabletop simplicity with equatorial precision and complete starter kits to find your perfect entry into astronomy.

The Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope fully assembled and positioned against a twilight sky.
SkyQuest Dobsonian Telescopes

Orion SkyQuest XT6 Dobsonian Telescope

Reveal the wonders of the cosmos with the Orion SkyQuest XT6, a 6-inch Dobsonian telescope offering bright, detailed views of planets, moons, and deep-sky objects. Its intuitive point-and-view design makes it the ideal, powerful starter telescope.

The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST telescope as the central subject against a dramatic night sky backdrop.
SpaceProbe & 130ST Telescopes

Orion 130ST Telescope

The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ is a quality reflector telescope for more serious beginning stargazers. Its fast parabolic mirror gathers ample light, revealing details in deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae that smaller telescopes miss.

The Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ Reflector Telescope prominently displayed as the main product image.
StarBlast Telescopes

Orion StarBlast 4.5 EQ Telescope

This reflector telescope offers a sizable 4.5-inch aperture and fast optics on a responsive equatorial mount, delivering bright, detailed views ideal for advancing your stargazing journey.

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope displayed prominently against a starry background.
Telescope Types & Sizes

Orion 8 Inch Dobsonian Telescope

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian is the ultimate entry into serious amateur astronomy. Its massive 8-inch mirror gathers breathtaking light, revealing details invisible to smaller scopes, all from a simple, stable platform.