ATLAS Observatory

ATLAS Observatory was a location in the Savage Divide region of Appalachia, currently known as Fort Atlas. Once the site of an advanced military science project, the observatory lay dormant for years following the Great War, inhabited by hostile robots.

Background
While appearing to be an astronomical research laboratory, ATLAS was a military project on weather modification. The ATLAS Program, or Atmospheric Terraforming Laser Accelerator System, had limited success in its early months. On January 24, 2076, its lead, MAJ Kirk Bentley was replaced by LTC James Oberlin, with the project set to have its funding cut unless scalable results were able to be produced by the following April.

Under Oberlin's oversight, the project progressed rapidly. By March 12, the prototype had succeeded in initiating light rainfall across a significant localized area. Funding for the ATLAS Program was extended under the condition that Dr. Hammond, the facility's chief research scientist, invested more research into higher-energy weather conditions. By August 20, the doctor was able to produce a wide variety of weather conditions based on data his team delivered to the lab. The latest prototype was capable of producing near-whiteout blizzard conditions, uncharacteristic weather for mid-August.

By August 2077, the project had been fully approved and funded for military use. Oberlin theorized that the system could diminish the threat of nuclear war by subtly sabotaging the enemy by manipulating the weather. On October 16, the ATLAS program and facility was suddenly ordered to be shut down, despite the project's success and utility. By October 22, Oberlin was instructed to falsify all of the facility's data to make it appear as a failure.

In spite of the facility's cancellation and the ensuing Great War, Dr. Hammond continued to work on the project for another five months, replacing the main lens, completing particle analyzes and stabilizing the accelerator while attempting to use security robots as assistants.

Post-War
In, Lucky Lou scavenged several automated turrets from the observatory for use in attempting to commit suicide and avoid turning feral. Later that year, Russell Dorsey established a campsite near the facility's entrance and, with the assistance of his utility Protectrons, began constructing a framework around the structure. This included various elevated platforms, a medical tent, a landing pad, and deliberately sealing the observatory's interior. Russell Dorsey collaborated with the Vault Dwellers of Vault 76 to construct a base for the incoming Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force, using the observatory as their construction site. Upon arrival, the Brotherhood renamed the facility to Fort Atlas, converting it into its current appearance.

Layout
The observatory caps the crest of a hill along Route 63 east of Monongah. The exterior of the building was previously guarded by various robots and automated wall turrets. The three entrances of the building led to a multi-level structure with border rooms encircling a vaulted central room that houses the telescope. It was filled with Protectrons, Mister Gutsies, and a high-level Assaultron. The building was full of loot and junk, including a Vault-Tec Bobblehead in the main telescope room.

Exterior

 * Dorsey's diary - Note, underneath the bed in Russell Dorsey's tent.
 * Note to self: Names - Note, past the red machinery, down the stairs, and on the white table directly ahead.
 * Note to self: Parts - Note, underneath a metal staircase, next to some red machinery.
 * Note to self: Railings - Note, up the wooden staircases that lead to the dome, then straight north. The note will be on a railing, at a platform in between two metal staircases.
 * To-do: Nailgun - Note, in an armored personnel carrier across from Russell Dorsey.
 * To-do: Power armor - Note, on a barrel next to the power armor station.
 * To-do: Symbol - Note, attached to the dome. It is up the wooden staircases, following the walkway facing northeast.
 * Last details - Note, inside Dorsey's tent, on a cabinet.

Interior
Note that the interior was sealed with The Legendary Run update, from Fortifying ATLAS until the release of Steel Dawn.
 * ATLAS research log #104 - Holotape, inside the Scientific Director's office on a control console.
 * ATLAS research log #293 - Holotape, near a skeleton in the center of the basement.
 * ATLAS director's password - Holotape, near a skeleton in the center of the basement.
 * ATLAS utility key (2):
 * On a table in the basement by a section of a collapsed roof.
 * On a table in the lower level near the door to the basement that the key opens.
 * Potential Vault-Tec Bobblehead - At the top of the ramp surrounding the telescope.
 * Potential magazine - On a coffee table, on the first floor from the basement.

Appearances
ATLAS Observatory appeared only in Fallout 76. It was expanded upon in The Legendary Run update, before being fully converted to Fort Atlas with Steel Dawn.