RAN Institute to Cheapen Space Telescopes

Scientists from the Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences have developed a unique mirror reflector for space observatories, which will improve the quality and reduce the production cost of space telescopes.

The brand-new product is likely to make Russia the leading manufacturer in this market. The mirror reflector for space observatories is considered to be a time-consuming, complex and expensive component ensuring the operation of space satellite systems. The functionality of the entire assembly depends on the reflective surface of the mirror reflector.

Astrositall and graphite epoxy have always been treated as appropriate materials for the production of space mirrors in Russia. The first substance is characterized by sufficient water resistance, but low durability and high machining cost (at least one million dollars for square meter), with the second one being more durable, but less water-resistant.

Taking into account all the advantages and disadvantages of these materials, scientists have decided to combine them eliminating their drawbacks and reinforcing their benefits. As a result, Astrositall has been used as a matrix basis for the graphite-epoxy construction. Therefore, the cost of the new mirror panel will decrease five times, with its production time being reduced from one year to one month. This solution is likely to make Russia the exclusive supplier of millimeter-wave space antennas.

Russia and Italy Resume S-1000 Development

Russia and Italy have resumed the joint development of the S-1000 small diesel submarine in order to promote this product in the third-country markets. According to Andrey Baranov, the Deputy Director General for Foreign Economic Affairs and Military-Technical Cooperation of the Rubin Central Design Bureau, the development project has been previously suspended.

The Russian-Italian project was started a few years ago, with the position of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy being occupied by Vladimir Masorin, but later it was suspended. The project is currently being resumed.

The Rubin Central Design Bureau has effected long and productive cooperation with Fincantieri, the Italian company, within the framework of this project. In particular, the companies have already drawn up a technical proposal for a compact and modern small displacement vessel. Experts believe this project will be interesting for countries having no experience of operating submarines, but wanting to create their own submarine force.

The S-1000 non-nuclear submarine is designed for operation under tropical conditions, in the island zone and shallow water. The basic design of the submarine has been implemented by means of the commercial equipment from Russia, Italy and other European countries, with the armament comprising neither missile weapons, nor air-independent units.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Calls for New Space Defence System

Dmitry Rogozin, the Deputy Prime Minister, backed calls to establish a new space defence system designed for identifying and neutralizing objects that pose a danger to the Earth. This statement was made the day after a meteorite slammed into Russia, injuring over 1,000 people and causing an estimated $ 33 million-worth of damage. Speaking shortly after the meteorite hit, Mr. Rogozin said that he would approach Dmitry Medvedev, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, with proposals on how similar incidents should be dealt with and controlled in future.

Rusty Schweickart, the former Apollo astronaut, also called for the Chelyabinsk incident to prompt the relevant organizations and authorities to monitor asteroid activity in the Earth’s vicinity more closely.

The latest incident has pushed the problem of space defence up the political agenda. At the same time, it should be noted that this issue has always had many proponents, particularly among the specialists working in related areas. Speaking at a St. Petersburg conference on Russia’s national interests and global security, Vitaly Davydov, the deputy head of Russia’s Federal Space Agency Roscosmos, stated that strategic planetary defence should be a priority and called for a special federal program aimed at neutralizing space threats.

Twenty-Eight Russian Organizations to Demonstrate Their Products at IDEX-2013

According to the official information, 28 Russian organizations will demonstrate their military products at IDEX-2013, the International Defence Exhibition, with a total number of the Russian showpieces reaching 826 items.

The Terminator fire support combat vehicle will be presented at the IDEX outdoor display area for the first time. Another highlight of the show this year will be the participation of the upgraded T-90S main battle tank in the demo program.

The Russian exposition has been organized by the Rostec State Corporation, with the display area being equal to 750 sq. m.

According to the information furnished by the press service of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, JSC Rosoboronexport, JSC NPK Uralvagonzavod, JSC Almaz-Antey PVO Concern, JSC KPB, JSC NPO Splav, JSC NPO Basalt, JSC NPO Izhmash, JSC NPK Tehmash and other companies will take part in this exhibition.

The 11^th International Defence Exhibition IDEX-2013 will be held in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on February 17-21. The exhibition is organized under the auspices of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President and Supreme Commander of the UAE, with the support of the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates. The total exhibition area is 124,000 sq. m. According to the exhibition organizers, more than 800 companies from 56 countries are expected to participate in IDEX-2013.

Russian Military Orders Bioengineered Liver for $17 Mln

The Russian Army intends to enter the rapidly developing sphere of bioengineering, calling this week for bids to create an artificial liver from human stem cells and animal tissue.

The relevant tender for development of the artificial liver (called “Code Prometheus” after a mythical titan whose liver was eaten by an eagle every day, but grew again overnight) was published on the state tender website by the Federal Agency for the Procurement of Military and Special Equipment.

According to the terms and conditions of the 518 million rubles tender, the winning bidder must produce a bioengineered human liver with all the capabilities of a natural liver, including toxin removal, by 2016. The bioengineered liver is intended for patients with irreversible liver damage. Diseases of the liver include cancer and cirrhosis, whose primary causes are hepatitis and alcoholism.

It’s necessary to mention that the Russian government has allocated about 20 trillion rubles between 2012 and 2020 for an ambitious program to re-equip the country’s military.