ИСТИНА

D. V. Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics of M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University is developing a project “Universat” of a system of small satellites for monitoring of the space threats: ionizing radiation, potentially dangerous objects of natural (asteroids, meteoroids) and artificial (space debris) origin, and electromagnetic transients of Earth’s and space origin. One of the primary tasks for this satellite system is operational (close to “real time”) monitoring of the fluxes of energetic charged particles in the wide range of Earth’s radiation belts. For this purpose one or more satellites with a mass <50–100 kg will be launched to elliptical orbit with height of perigee and apogee ~700 and 8000 km and inclination 63.4°, which crosses wide range of magnetic drift shells at different altitudes. Satellites will be equipped with multidirectional spectrometers of energetic protons and electrons. Another probably somewhat larger satellite will be launched to Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit. Its main task will be detecting the space debris and asteroids by several wide-angle cameras. Satellite may also carry one or more detectors of different wavelength ranges – from gamma to infrared for detecting electromagnetic transient events in the Earth’s atmosphere and in deep space and the solar flares. Currently the first research stage of this project is being carried out, during which the optimal spacecraft orbits, instrument construction and placement are being determined. The project is open for cooperation.