ROSCOSMOS logo.
18.07.2011
Zenith-3M launcher with Fregat-SB upper stage and Russian astrophysical observatory Spectrum-R lifted off from Baikonur’s pad 45 on July 18, at 6.31 a.m. MSK.
Zenith-3M launch
Separation of the spacecraft from the upper stage which is to deliver Spectrum-R into the targeted orbit is expected at about 10 a.m.
Video above: Zenith-3M launcher with Fregat-SB upper stage and Russian astrophysical observatory Spectrum-R lifted off from Baikonur’s pad 45.
Spectrum-R was designed under the Radioastron international project by prime contractor Lavochkin R&D. Scientific payloads were developed by the Astro Space Center of Lebedev Physical Institute.
Russian Observatory Intended to Study the Universe Reaches the Targeted Orbit
Russian astrophysical observatory Spectrum-R has reached the targeted orbit.
The scientific spacecraft successfully separated from the Fregat-SB upper stage at 10.06 a.m. MSK. Spectrum-R was injected into orbit with altitude of about 340 thousand km.
Spectrum-R in orbit
Spectrum-R, developed under Radioastron project in the framework of Russian Federal Space Program, is intended to study the Universe. The aim of the mission is to use the space telescope to conduct interferometer observations in conjunction with the global ground radio telescope network in order to obtain images, coordinates, motions and evolution of angular structure of different radio emitting objects in the Universe. Scientists also expect to obtain more information about pulsars and interstellar plasma, black holes and neutron stars in the Milky Way.
The spacecraft's operational lifetime will be no less than five years. Spectrum-R was built by Roscosmos’ company Lavochkin R&D. Scientific payloads were developed by the Astro Space Center of Russian Academy of Sciences’ Lebedev Physical Institute, as well as by international partners.
For more information about Roscosmos, visit: http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?lang=en
Text, Credit: Roscosmos PAO / Photos credit: Yuzhny Space Center / Video: Roscosmos TV.
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