TOMSK, Oct 3 – RIA Tomsk. Scientists of Tomsk State University (TSU) created a system of protective structures for research satellite "Spektr-UV", the launch of which is scheduled for 2021; development will protect the satellite from space debris and meteoric particles coming from deep space, the press service of the university reported on Monday.
According to open sources, "Spektr-UV" – is the space observatory intended for work in the ultra-violet range of a range inaccessible for observation from Earth. The project is implemented jointly by Russia and Spain with assistance of the international astronomical community. The satellite which will be launched in 2021, in addition, investigates the most mysterious stages of evolution of the Universe.
"Scientists of Scientific Research Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics (SRI AMM) TSU developed a system of protective structures for the research satellite. A technical task which it was required to solve – is protection ensuring of its fuel tanks against the small fragments of space debris and meteoric particles of a natural origin coming from deep space", – is said in the message.
It is specified that from large technogenic splinters research objects take away by means of maneuvers. But particles even of the smallest diameter in 1,5-2 millimeters constitute serious danger: moving with a speed of eight kilometers per second, they are capable to put the satellite out of action. For protection against such "attacks" to the case of spacecrafts special screens are installed."It was succeeded to pick up an optimum way of protection of tanks of the satellite, it consists in installation of two barriers – the filter and the metal gauze which meet the first the attacking particles and splits them up", – the chief of Mechanics of Deformable Solid Bodies department of SRI AMM TSU Alexander Gerasimov is quoted.
The carried-out tests confirmed that the structures offered by TSU scientists provides the most effective protection to the satellite case. The remains of fragments shattered with a grid get on the screen and dissipate, without causing damage to the spacecraft.