Moscow has completed testing of a new space telescope poised to enhance its capabilities in tracking both space debris and operational satellites,according to state-owned Rostec. As the number of objects in orbit rapidly increases-compounded by recent launches like SpaceX’s plans to deploy a million satellites[[1]]-the need for advanced space monitoring systems is becoming critical. The new telescope, featuring a 3.12-meter primary mirror, is expected to be fully operational in early 2026 and will also contribute to improvements in the precision of Russia’s GLONASS navigation system.
Russia has successfully completed testing of a new optical complex that will soon be operational as a large space telescope, state corporation Rostec announced Tuesday. The development represents a significant step forward in Russia’s space monitoring and navigation capabilities.
Engineers constructed a 3.12-meter diameter primary parabolic mirror weighing approximately 3 tons, along with additional optical elements for the telescope. “In addition, the shape of the large primary mirror can be adjusted during operation, which reduces distortion caused by atmospheric influences,” explained Vadim Kaliuguin, Director General of Shvabe, the optical component manufacturer.
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The system’s performance during testing exceeded expectations, according to Rostec. Images of space objects captured by the Titov Experimental Laser Center, located in the Altai Republic (bordering Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan), demonstrated a level of detail surpassing all previously existing systems.
The telescope is slated to become fully operational in the first quarter of 2026. The new system will be used to track space debris, artificial satellites, and other objects in near-Earth orbit, at distances of up to 2,300 miles. This capability is increasingly important as the number of objects in orbit continues to grow, posing a risk to operational spacecraft.
The telescope also incorporates a lunar laser ranging system, capable of measuring the distance to Earth’s natural satellite with millimeter precision. This feature is particularly crucial for refining the performance of GLONASS, Russia’s global satellite navigation system, by accounting for the gravitational influence of celestial bodies on the satellites. Precise lunar distance measurements contribute to more accurate positioning data.
Fuente: RT
