The space radio telescope “Spektr-R” entered the Guinness Book of Records.

      The space radio telescope “Spektr-R” entered the Guinness Book of Records, as the web-site of the telescope manufacturer - Lavochkin Scientific Production Association - reports. It is said that the device was officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest space radio telescope with an aperture of 10 meters. “Spektr-R” was launched from Baikonur on July 18, 2011 and is now successfully fulfilling its tasks under the open scientific program “Radioastron”, the program’s scientific director being the Academician Nikolai Kardashev.

      The device is designed for conducting fundamental astrophysical research within the radio-frequency range of electromagnetic spectrum. It is based on the space platform “Navigator” successfully tested on the “Electro-L” satellite.

      The main scientific objectives of the project are the research of structure and physical processes of active galactic nuclei and quasars, the detection of constraints on cosmological parameters of the universe, the study of the process of formation of stars and planetary systems on astronomical masers, the research of microquasars, pulsars and the interstellar medium.