Thermal wake proximate to an optical element of a telescope (100) may be reduced. Signal(s) related to respective temperatures of support struts (118) supporting the optical element may be generated. The respective temperatures (128) of the support struts may be determined based on the signal(s). Individual support struts (118) may be heated based on the respective temperatures of the support struts. Heating a given support strut may cause the given support strut to thermally expand. Individual support struts (118) may be at least partially enclosed with corresponding shrouds (120). Airspaces may be disposed between individual support struts (118) and the corresponding shrouds (120). Heat emitted in the airspaces by the support struts may be ejected away from the optical element to prevent a thermal wake from reaching a volume proximate to the optical element.