V. Chazov

MASTER ROBOTIC NET

The main goal of the MASTER-Net project is to produce a unique fast sky survey with all sky observed over a single night down to a limiting magnitude of 19-20. Such a survey will make it possible to address a number of fundamental problems: search for dark energy via the discovery and photometry of supernovae (including SNIa), search for exoplanets, microlensing effects, discovery of minor bodies in the Solar System, and space-junk monitoring. All MASTER telescopes can be guided by alerts, and we plan to observe prompt optical emission from gamma-ray bursts synchronously in several filters and in several polarization planes.

Transient Detections and Other Real-Time Data Processing from MASTER-VWF Wide-Field Cameras

Construction of robotic observatories has developed into an important and thriving field of astronomy. Their large field of view combined with the capability to be pointed at any direction makes robotic astronomical systems indispensable for tasks involving searches for transients like GRB, supernovae explosions, novae, and so forth, where both the time and direction of the search are impossible to predict. This paper describes prompt GRB observations made with MASTER-VWF wide-field cameras and the methods of image analysis and classification of transients used for real-time data processing. During seven months of operation six synchronous observations of gamma-ray bursts have been made using MASTER VWF facilities deployed in Kislovodsk and Irkutsk. In all cases high upper limits have been obtained.

Project “Universat-SOCRAT” of Multiple Small Satellites for Monitoring of Natural and Technogenic Space Hazards

Abstract The new space project of M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University on elaboration of multiple satellites for real time monitoring in the near-Earth space of radiation environment, natural (asteroids, meteoroids) and artificial (space debris) potentially dangerous objects, electromagnetic transients, such as cosmic gamma ray bursts, terrestrial gamma ray flashes, optical and ultraviolet bursts in the Earth atmosphere is presented. It is intended to install on the satellites the following instruments for space monitoring of dangerous objects and hazards: spectrometers of electrons and protons, complex of instruments for study of transient electromagnetic phenomena including gamma ray spectrometer, detectors of ultraviolet and optical emission and wide-field optical cameras. Successful implementation of the project for the first time in the world allows realization of a space system prototype for monitoring and preventing of space hazards for both ongoing and planned space missions, and also for aircraft flying in the upper atmosphere. There are also discussed results of experiments on-board Lomonosov in view of good experience of wide field camera use for monitor observations in space. These results formed the base of scientific program for the new project Universat- SOCRAT.

Features of geosynchronous space objects motion near 75oE

Abstract Spacecrafts in geostationary orbit are subject to a complex set of disturbances that involve changes in orbital parameters. Corrections to the orbit are regularly carried out to keep the satellite at a given point of standing. The geostationary satellites must be moved to the disposal orbit after finishing their service life. Otherwise they begin to move towards the nearest stable point of libration and to make oscillatory movements in longitude, regularly approaching different satellites, which creates a threat of collision. The theory of motion for large space objects is well developed and their movement is predictable. However, small-sized fragments of space debris, are highly susceptible to difficult-to-predict non-gravitational disturbances. It is important to study the orbital motion of space objects that perform libration movements near 75∘E,where the majority of Russian working geostationary satellites are located. Optical measurements at observatories in Zvenigorod, at the Terskol peak and on Sanglokh Mount (Tajikistan) of some of the librational geosynchronous objects were performed. Results of the analysis of some of the geosynchronous small-sized fragments are given.

Investigations of space debris at Terskol observatory

Within the framework of the “Astronomy in the Elbrus Region” international program, investigations of space debris objects using optical measurements are carried out at the observation complex of the Zeiss-2000 telescope (developed by the International Center for Astronomical and Medico-Ecological Research, National Academy of Sciences, Ukraine) at Terskol Observatory. The objectives of this study are to detect, catalog, and determine the physical characteristics of small-sized space debris fragments, maintain orbit catalogs, and investigate the influence of nongravitational perturbations on the orbital motion and the evolution of orbits of these fragments.

Characteristics of small-sized space debris objects using Terskol observatory measurements

The Zeiss-2000 telescope of the International Center for Astronomic and Medico-Ecological Research, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Terskol observatory), with a 2-meter aperture is the largest optical instrument in Europe that is regularly used for investigating space debris in the vicinity of the geostationary orbit. One of the main objectives is to detect and characterize small fragments of space debris that are difficult to approach for other telescopes. During each photometric night, we usually detect four to five unknown fragments of 17th to 20th magnitude. This article provides orbital parameters and physical characteristics of several small-sized fragments of space debris that were detected during observations at Terskol observatory in 2014–2015.