MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. A telescope primary mirror, 3.12 meters in diameter and weighing approximately 3 tons, as well as additional mirror optics produced by Shvabe Holding, part of Russia’s state tech corporation Rostec, have been successfully tested. These devices will be able to monitor space debris, artificial satellites, and other space objects in near-Earth space at distances of up to 3,500 km, Rostec told reporters.

"Only a few countries in the world are developing cutting-edge equipment for space research and near-Earth space monitoring. Our Shvabe Holding already supplies solutions to the National Heliogeophysical Complex of the Russian Academy of Sciences. We have successfully completed testing of the optical complex for the G.S. Titov Altai Optical Laser Center of the Roscosmos State Corporation. Developments of this level confirm the high potential of our optical industry and our ability to independently ensure technological independence in this area," Rostec reported.

It said that state testing of the complex jointly with specialists from the Lytkarino Optical Glass Plant took nearly a year, and the resulting images of space objects significantly surpassed all existing domestic counterparts in terms of resolution. The telescope is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2026, the state corporation added.

According to Shvabe CEO Vadim Kalyugin, the key element of the telescope is its lens - the main parabolic mirror, over three meters in diameter, was specially manufactured for it. Operating in conjunction with the secondary and flat diagonal mirror, it makes detailed images of space objects. Furthermore, the feature of adjusting the shape of the large primary mirror during operation helps reduce atmospheric distortion. A built-in lunar laser rangefinder makes it possible to measure the distance to the Moon with an accuracy of several millimeters, Rostec added.