The Millimetron observatory project will employ simultaneous multi-frequency synthesis to gather far more data from the cosmos in a single observing session. This capability, part of the Spektr-M program, aims to multiply the information returned by each observation. A spokesperson from the Physical Institute’s space research center, identified by TASS as PN Lebedev’s Alexey Rudnitsky, noted these advances in an interview with the Russian press. The development work builds on lessons learned during the Spektr-R mission, also known as Radioastron, and introduces an updated implementation for Millimetron.
According to Rudnitsky, Millimetron will be designed to operate in a mode of simultaneous multi-frequency synthesis with ground-based telescope networks. The approach involves observing the same celestial object through several receivers that are tuned to different radio frequencies. Ongoing efforts are focused on creating a system that can use all, or multiple, receivers on Millimetron at once. Researchers from the Korea Institute of Astronomy and Space Sciences participated in this development, contributing expertise from their early work on applying such multi-frequency setups to ground-based facilities. This collaboration underscored the international nature of modern radio astronomy and the push toward more integrated observing platforms.
The practical benefits of simultaneous multi-frequency synthesis are substantial. By using several frequencies in parallel, the method improves the clarity and sensitivity of observations, enabling researchers to extract much richer information in a shorter time frame. The potential to mitigate atmospheric distortions—an issue for ground-based telescopes—was also highlighted as a key advantage. With space-based platforms like Millimetron, engineers hope to reduce the impact of Earth’s atmosphere on measurements and thereby enhance data quality across a broad range of frequencies.
In other recent science communications, reports highlighted a separate line of Russian innovation: energy-efficient laser technologies rooted in quantum molecular concepts. The described devices rely on quantum molecules formed by two quantum dots that interact closely, providing functionalities beyond conventional molecular systems. These advances illustrate Russia’s ongoing investments in quantum-enabled photonics, where the goal is to achieve high efficiency and novel operating regimes that could support both communications and sensing applications. While distinct from Millimetron’s astronomical mission, these laser developments reflect a broader program of research into quantum-enabled devices and their practical uses in science and industry. [Source: official statements and summarized briefings from national space administration channels and institutional researchers]