Sun - Koronus
On a more positive note, after several years of delays the Russian Federation in conjunction with the Ukrainian Space Agency launched the first of two planned KORONAS (Complex Orbital Near-Earth Observations of Activity of the Sun) Earth-orbiting solar observatories. KORONAS-I was launched on 2 March 1994 by a Tsyklon-3 booster from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome and inserted into an orbit of 487 km by 528 km at an inclination of 82.5 degrees. The foci of the KORONAS-I investigations are solar neutrino emissions (via helioseismology) and the structure of the high temperature regions of the solar atmosphere. The principal scientific instruments included the TEREK-C multi-channel imaging telescope and chronograph, the GELIKON and DIOGENESS solar flare analyzers, the IRIS solar flare spectrometer, the AVS solar gammaray detector, the SUFR-SP-K radiometer and the VUSS spectrometer for ultraviolet investigations, the DIFOS solar optical photometer, and the SKL cosmic ray spectrometer.
The KORONAS-I spacecraft is the first use of the new Ukrainian AUOS-SM-AI platform, designed and manufactured by the Yuzhnoye Scientific Production Association. The original AUOS (Automatic Universal Orbital Station) platform has been in use since 1976. The 2,300 kg spacecraft includes 410 kg for the scientific instruments. KORONAS-I has a diameter of 2.3 m and a height of 5.0 m with a total span of 12.8 m with all solar panels and antennas deployed. The 3-axis stabilized spacecraft is the first AUOS spacecraft to be solar-oriented. The launch of the sister KORONAS-F spacecraft has been delayed indefinitely. In addition to Russian and Ukrainian support, the KORONAS program has enjoyed the participation of Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, France, and the US. The mission design life is 6-7 years (References 212-219).
Another proposed application of the small Regatta spacecraft is the SAPS (Solar Activity Patrol System) project, previously known as SPAS (Solar Patrol and Alert Satellite). The purpose of the system, with one or more Regatta spacecraft in a halo orbit about the L1 libration point between the Earth and the Sun (1.5 million km from Earth), is to provide warning of approaching solar phenomenon. Specifically, real time notification of solar flares and proton events, half-hour warning of approaching solar wind shock wave, and short term forecasts of solar activity are the program objectives. To date, no formal program approval has been made (References 220-221).
References;
1. SOVIET SPACE PROGRAMS, 1971-75, OVERVIEW, FACILITIES AND HARDWARE MANNED AND UNMANNED FLIGHT PROGRAMS, BIOASTRONAUTICS CIVIL AND MILITARY APPLICATIONS PROJECTIONS OF FUTURE PLANS, STAFF REPORT , THE COMMITTEE ON AERONAUTICAL AND SPACE .SCIENCES, UNITED STATES SENATE, BY THE SCIENCE POLICY RESEARCH DIVISION CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE, THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, VOLUME – I, AUGUST 30, 1976, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1976,
(A). SOVIET SPACE PROGRAMS: 1976-80 (WITH SUPPLEMENTARY DATA THROUGH 1983), UNMANNED SPACE ACTIVITIES, PREPARED AT THE REQUEST OF Hon. JOHN C. DANFORTH, Chairman, COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION, UNITED STATES SENATE, Part 3, MAY 1985, Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 99th Congress, 1 st. session, COMMITTEE PRINT, S. Prt. 98-235, U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON: 1985
19. Tass, Nov. 25, 1976. 1427 GMT.
20. Tass, Sept. 22, 1977. 1140 GMT.
* Dr. Sheldon [1917-1981] was the Senior Specialist in Space and Transportation Technology
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