* Astronomy

"The Energia space-rocket corporation's Space Regatta consortium has teamed up with the consolidated nuclear-research institute in Dubna and the Skobeltsyn R&D institute of nuclear physics to develop a satellite that would light up the skies at night." - Oleg Saprykin, deputy technical supervisor of the Space Regatta consortium.

This large and rigid composite-materials structure consists of 37 hexagonal elements (maximum size 660 mm) that unfurl with the help of an electro-magnetic system.
The reflector mirror has an area of more than ten square meters. This is quite enough to conduct a number of scientific experiments. The mirror can light up 43 square kilometres of terrestrial territory from a 350-km altitude. Its luminescence levels will match those of the full Moon in clear weather. This will become the brightest luminary after the Sun and the Moon.



Water will play the part of propulsive mass, supplying vapour to the satellite's propulsion unit, i.e. a balloon-shaped tank with 20 litres of water. Consequently, the satellite can reach a long-duration orbit in excess of 500 km. Moreover, it can use additional water for attaining earth escape velocity.
The Space Regatta consortium of the Energia space-rocket corporation helps develop solar-sail spacecraft and restore the Earth's ozone layer.




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