Development of the RT-13 Radio Telescope and the Kvazar-KVO Interferometry Network
The Institute of Applied Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences is advancing the RT-13 radio telescope project at the Ussuri Astrophysical Observatory, a Far East station. This initiative marks a major milestone for the institute. According to Nikolai Zheleznov, a Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and a senior researcher at the institute, the project represents the largest breakthrough to date for the organization.
Plans indicate that observations with the RT-13 could begin within a few years. Zheleznov explained that the primary goals of the institute include ensuring precise alignment and communication between terrestrial and celestial coordinate systems, alongside supporting fundamental astrometric work and space science.
Among the activities planned with the new telescope is the observation of quasars and artificial satellites, with the aim of refining time standards and determining celestial pole coordinates. These efforts are vital for the effective operation of GLONASS satellites. In support of this objective, the Kvazar-KVO radio interferometry complex was established, comprising three stations located in Svetly (Priozersky district, Leningrad region), Zelenchuk (North Caucasus), and Buryatia. A fourth station, situated near Ussuriysk, will complete the network, strengthening ground-based calibration capabilities for space assets. Zheleznov noted this configuration will enable high-precision interferometric measurements across a broad geographic footprint.
Additional research aims include the institute’s development of its own EPM theory, a theoretical framework intended to enhance radio astronomical data interpretation and precision. This theoretical work supports the broader mission of aligning Earth-based observations with the celestial reference frame and improving long-term astrometric accuracy.
In related space science developments, NASA announced plans to deploy a small satellite capable of mimicking a real star to calibrate Earth-based telescopes. The approach is expected to provide a reliable on-sky reference source for ground observatories, contributing to more accurate measurements across various wavelengths and instruments. This collaboration underscores the ongoing effort to harmonize calibration practices between space missions and terrestrial facilities. [Citation: NASA program announcements and scientific press coverage]
Questions about the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations have persisted among scientists and researchers. The ongoing work at Russian observatories and international efforts alike reflect a broader curiosity about the universe and humanity’s ability to measure and understand it with ever-increasing precision. [Citation: institutional statements and public science reporting]