INTAS Final Report on INFRASTRUCTURE ACTION PROJECT
Ref. No 03-70-567
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Call specification:
Infrastructure Actions Call 2004
Title: Recovering the CIS optical telescope cooperation for coordinated observations of non-stationary and transient space objects
Reference no:
INTAS Ref. No 03-70-567
Total grant:
30,000 Euro
Co-funding share:
30,000 Euro
Start date:
June 1, 2005
Duration:
12 months
Co-ordinator
Prof. Victor Abalakin, Central Astronomical Observatory at Pulkovo, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pulkovskoe Chaussee, 65/1, St.-Petersburg, 196140, Russia, phone: 7(812)723-49-00, e-mail: vicabal@gao.spb.ru
Person in charge of Management:
Mr. Igor Molotov, Smolnaya str. 63-185, Moscow, 125445, Russia, phone: 7 (095) 152-95-94, e-mail: molotov@vimpel.ru
Team information:
CO
Central Astronomical Observatory at Pulkovo, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pulkovskoe shaucce, 65/1, St.-Petersburg, 196140, Russia, Prof. Victor Abalakin, vicabal@gao.spb.ru
CR1
Scientific-research Institute "Crimean Astrophysical Observatory" (CrAO), Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Nauchny, 98409, Crimea, Ukraine, the team leader is Mr. Vasilij Rumyantsev, rum@crao.crimea.ua
CR2
Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, Georgian Academy of Sciences, Kazbegi ave, 2a, Tbilisi, 99532, Georgia, the team leader is Prof. Rolan Kiladze, roki@genao.org
CR3
Ulugh Beg Astronomical Institute, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Astronomicheskaya street, 33, Tashkent, 700052, Uzbekistan, the team leader is Dr. Mansur Ibrahimov, mansur@astrin.uzsci.net
CR4
Institute of Astronomy, Karazin Kharkiv National University, Sumska street, 35, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine, the team leader is Prof. Dmitrij Lupishko, lupishko@astron.kharkov.ua
Co-funding partner:
Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics (KIA) of Russian Academy of Sciences
(using grant of Russian MiCIStry of Education and Science), Miusskaya square, 4,
Moscow, 125047, Russia, the team leader is Prof. Ephraim L. Akim, akim@kiam1.rssi.ru
Other participating institutions:
Space Research Institute (IKI) of RAS, Moscow, Russia, Dr. Alexei Pozanenko, Ussuriysk Astrophysical Observatory (UAO) of Far East Branch of RAS, Ussuriysk, Russia, Dr. Gennadiy Kornienko, Astronomical Observatory (OAO) of Mechnikov Odessa National University, Odessa, Ukraine, Mr. Peter Sukhov, Bilivian National Observatory in Santa-Anna (BNO), Tarija, Bolivia, Dr. Rodolfo Zalles.
Periodic report due: period from June 2005 to November 2006
Submission date of this report:
1. RESEARCH
1.1. Overview of Research Activities / Conformance with the Work Programme
The works were mainly carried out in accordance with work programme (WP).
Task 1. - Forming the PulCOO administrative structures. This task is fulfilled mostly. It was solved to form PulCOO administrative structures outside of any institution. Mr. Igor Molotov coordinates PulCOO activities. Mr. Vladimir Titenko prepares the ephemeredes for PulCOO telescopes and processes the obtained measurements. Mr. Vladimir Agapov is responsible person for scientific program in part of space debris. Dr. Alexei Pozanenko is responsible person for scientific program in part of gamma-ray bursts. The asteroid researches are carried out independently by project teams and on base of the direct links between them. The technical group planes and performs the technical and training activities. The web site of PulCOO (www.lfvn.astronomer.ru) displays the news and results of PulCOO. Logo of INTAS is listed on first page among project supporting organizations.
Task 2. - Purchasing the CCD-cameras. This task is fulfilled more than it was planned. The 10 CCD cameras (two over of the WP) are purchased (9 installed at telescopes): six FLI IMG-1001E, grade 1, two FLI IMG-6303E, grade 1; one FLI IMG47-10, grade 1; and one FLI PL1001E, grade 0; four CFW-1 five-position color filter wheels; four sets of the 48 mm BVRI filters; one digital focuser and 11 GPS-receivers were already purchased. Also four more CCD cameras (FLI PL16803, FLI PL1001E, two FLI PL09000) and three CFW-4-5 filter wheels are already paid. This work was fulfilled by KIA with support of CO and IKI. The American FLI Company was fixed to purchase the CCD cameras for the Project. The negotiations were carried out with FLI and the 15% discount with respect to the price-list was obtained (in this case, cameras are provided without of cables and power supplies). It is necessary to mark that FLI improved the grade of four ordered cameras without of extra money. The addition money for extra cameras was released by CO, KIA, private Russian sponsor and Academy of Sience of Tajikistan.
Task 3. - Preparing the telescopes. This task is fulfilled mostly by efforts of all project teams. The following telescopes were prepared for installation of CCD cameras: 65-cm refractor in Pulkovo (CO), 2.6-m telescope ZTSh in Nauchny, Zeiss-600, AT-64 in Nauchny (CR1) (CCD camera is used at telescopes in turn), Zeiss-600 in Maidanak and double Zeiss-400 astrograph in Kitab (CR3), double Zeiss-400 astrograph in Ussuriysk (UAO), 70-cm AZT-8 in Chuguev (CR4), 23-cm expedition astrograph and Zeiss-600 in Tarija, Bolivia (BNO), AZT-8 in Evpatoria. Three new telescopes were putted in operations: 60-cm RK-600 in Mayaki (OAO), 22-cm SR-220 in Pulkovo (CO) and 22-cm SR-220 in Nauchny (CR1). In additional the producing of 22-cm SR-220 in Ussuriysk (UAO) is almost finished. The works on upgrade of 70-cm Maxutov (CR2) and 50-cm MTM-500 (CO) were not finished, therefore double Zeiss-400 astrograph in Abastumani (CR2), 32-cm ZA-320 in Pulkovo (CO) were prepared for the installation of CCD cameras. (See Table 1 with project telescopes performances in annex 1.)
Task 4. - Receiving and installing the CCD-cameras. This task is fulfilled by efforts of all project teams. 10 CCD cameras were purchased and transferred from USA to Russia step by step (by KIA, CO and IKI). 8 CCD cameras were tested in Pulkovo by the technical group and completed with cables, power supplies and GPS-receivers (they are used to connect obtained CCD frames with precise time). Two cameras that were incorrectly working (CR2 and OAO) were returned in back to the FLI, repaired and then again transferred into Russia. Also repairing of shutter of CR3 camera was made. 9 CCD cameras were transferred to PulCOO observatories (CO, CR1, CR2, CR3, CR4, UAO, OAO, BNO), and installed at 2.6-m telescope ZTSh (together with digital focuser and filter wheel) or 60-cm telescope Zeiss-600 or 22-cm SR-220 in Nauchny (CR1), 32-cm telescope ZA-320 (together with filter wheel) in Pulkovo (CO), 60-cm telescope Zeiss-600 (together with filter wheel) in Maidanak and 40-cm telescope double Zeiss astrograph in Kitab (CR3), 40-cm telescope double Zeiss astrograph in Ussuriysk (UAO), 40-cm telescope double Zeiss astrograph in Abastumani (CR2), 60-cm RK-600 in Mayaki (OAO), 70-cm telescope AZT-8 in Chuguev (CR4), 23-cm telescope expedition astrograph (together with filter wheel) in Tarija (BNO). Also the CCD camera of 40-cm telescope double Zeiss astrograph in Kitab was temporary installed at 65-cm refractor in Pulkovo, 70-cm AZT-8 in Evpatoria, Ukraine, 60-cm Zeiss-600 in Tarija, Bolivia for testing of these telescopes (the pictures of CCD cameras installed at telescopes one can see in annex 1.)
Task 5. - Preparing and distributing the astronomical software sets. This task is fulfilled mostly by CO. The new software for simultaneous work with the CCD camera and colour filter wheel was designed, the software APEX II for CCD frame processing (selection of the moving objects, astrometrical reductions and estimations of object brightness) was elaborated, and both its were attached to CCD cameras transferred to project teams, except of CR1. CR1 elaborated own kinds of software.
Task 6. - Training and test observations. This task is fulfilled by efforts of all project teams. The representatives of CR2, CR3, UAO, BNO were invited to Pulkovo observatory for training courses to learn CCD camera, filter wheel, GPS-receiver, usage of the astronomical software sets, strategy of the observations for different project goals, works with ephemerides, data reduction. Moreover, representatives of CO visited Maidanak, Abastumani, Mayaki, Tarija to arrange the first set of trial observations. All project teams (CO-CR4, KIA, UAO, OAO, BNO, IKI) participated in the test observations for the project goals that were carried out to demonstrate the capabilities of the PulCOO to perform the high-level optical astronomy researches. The lot of scientific output was obtained from the tests observations.
1.2. Scientific results.
1.2.1. The Pulkovo cooperation of optical observers (PulCOO) was formed for observations of space debris, asteroids and GRB-afterglows. The 10 CCD cameras (also 11 GPS-receiver for time scale providing, 4 filter wheels and one digital focuser) were purchased and 9 from its installed at 2.6-m ZTSh (this camera is shared with 60-cm Zeiss-600 and 22-cm SR-220) in Nauchny; 32-cm ZA-320 in Pulkovo, 60-cm Zeiss-600 in Maidanak, 40-cm double Zeiss astrograph in Kitab, 40-cm double Zeiss astrograph in Ussuriysk, 40-cm double Zeiss astrograph in Abastumani, 60-cm RK-600 in Mayaki, 70-cm AZT-8 in Chuguev, 23-cm expedition astrograph in Tarija. Three new telescopes (60-cm RK-600 in Mayaki, 22-cm SR-220 and 22-cm SR-220 in Nauchny) were putted in operations, three other telescopes (65-cm refractor in Pulkovo, 70-cm AZT-8 in Evpatoria and 60-cm Zeiss-600 in Tarija) were tested and prepared for CCD-cameras installation. The software for working with FLI CCD cameras and filter wheels, and for CCD frames reduction was elaborated by CO and distributed among project teams. The scientific, planning and technical groups were arranged from project team representative to manage the PulCOO activities that allowed to arrange the test, training and scientific observations with above mentioned telescopes and also 1.5-m AZT-22 in Maidanak and 1-m Zeiss-1000 in Zelenchuk (see the list in table 1 and pictures in Fig. 1-10 of Annex 1).
So, this optical network that has unique combination of various kind telescopes (with large field of view for searching purposes, medium-size for tracking, photometry and polarization observations, and 2.6-m and 1.5-m telescopes for deep-space surveys) allows to the NIS scientists to effectively solve the many fundamental and applied problems on modern level. In the same time, it is an important contribution to the international collaboration of optical observatories that was confirmed by carried works.
1.2.2. The first operations of PulCOO provide the great development of practical collaboration with European researches of space debris. The works were conducted out in two main directions:
searching and tracking of the large geostationary objects (with brightness more than 15 star magnitude) that are absent in public distributed orbital elements of NASA and ESA; the PulCOO optical stations Pulkovo, Mayaki, Nauchny, Abastumani, Ussuriysk, Tarija participated in observation campaigns, as well as European Zimmerwald observatory of Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern and observatories of the PIMS network working under support of Observatory Sciences Ltd.
pioneer attempts of searching and long-term tracking of small-sized fragments (with brightness fainter than 15 star magnitude) of space debris in geostationary area; the PulCOO optical stations Nauchny, Mayaki, Maidanak, Zelenchuk and partially Evpatoria, Tarija and Chuguev, as well as European observatories Zimmerwald and Tenerife (observatory of European Space Agency).
These observations allowed to find about 270 geostationary objects that are absent in public distributed orbital data and to fix their orbital elements. This is 25% of known population of geostationary objects. 120 objects have brightness more than 15 star magnitude and about 150 objects - fainter than 15 star magnitudes. In common, almost 150'000 measurements, including 25'000 measurements on small fragments were putted into database of Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences on collection, processing and analysis of information on space debris (see the table 2 in Annex 2). The table 2 shows that collaboration of PulCOO and European observatories is able to see practically all geostationary orbit in whole. Also 103 bright objects were included together with their orbital parameters into Issue 8th of Classification of Geosynchronous objects annually prepared by ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany. This classification that may be reading on PulCOO project web site (http://lfvn.astronomer.ru/report/0000009/index.htm) contains the gratitude to PulCOO in section 4.10 with unidentified objects: the listed orbits are a joint product of the wide co-operation of organizations including: scientific observation facilities network coordinated by KIAM RAS and Central (Pulkovo) Astronomical Observatory (St.Petersburg): Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (Nauchny), Odessa Astronomical Observatory (Mayaki), Ussuriysk Astrophysical Observatory, Maidanak Astronomical Observatory, Abastumani Astronomical Observatory, Tarija Observatory.
First time in the world, 63 geostationary fragments were observed on time intervals in few nights that allowed to track their orbital evolution and to determine influence of solar radiation pressure on change of orbital parameters (some obtained results are presented in figures 11-13). About 30 fragments (including one with size about 15 cm) were observed on time intervals of few months - two years that confirms the principal possibility of cataloguing of such kind objects. For series of fragments the supposed source of their origin was fixed on base of likeness of orbit of fragment and orbit of "parent object". It was confirmed the existence of "clouds" of fragments appeared during destruction of Ekran-2 (10365/77092A) and Ekran-4 (11561/79087A) satellites, and one from rocket bodies Titan 3C Transtage (03432/68081E). Other very important research result was discovery a new population of objects in unexpected orbits, where no potential progenitors exist. By following-up some of these objects it became evident that these objects have extreme area-to-mass ratio, which are by several orders of magnitudes higher than for 'normal-type' debris. The existence of this new population of space debris has triggered enormous attention and activity in the space debris community. I.e. real fragments have orbital evolution as 'natural' solar sail; it seems that its accumulate energy of solar radiation pressure. It was fixed that some from such kind objects can be reentered to the Earth atmosphere, crossing all main types of operating satellites orbits.
The possible approaches of 21 fragments with presumable satellite in 76E were calculates to estimate the degree of danger of GEO-fragments for operational satellites. The size of safety area was selected as sphere of ±0.5° in longitude, 0°-0.5° in inclination and 0-0.001 in eccentricity. It was fixed that 10 fragments are going inside of safety area from 1 to 10 times per year (39 times in 2005, 15 times in 2006, 26 times in 2007) and that most dangerous fragments are with libration orbit having eccentricity smaller 0.01°.
Important part of work was supporting of the VLBI radar experiments that were carried out with transmitter of RT-70 in Evpatoria and Low Frequency VLBI Network in September 10-16, 2005 and July 3-9, 2006. Observations of PulCOO allow to improve the ephemeredes of radar targets. I.e. the orbit of 90022 fragment of Ekran-4 with brightness of 17 star magnitudes which was discovered with AT-64 in Nauchnij in April 30, 2006 was determined with high accuracy. And the trial radar experiment for 90022 using transmitting 70-m antenna in Evpatoria (Crimea, Ukraine) and receiving 64-m antenna in Kalyazin (near Moscow, Russia) was arranged in July 7, 2006 for test purpose.
1.2.3. The observations ZA-320 in Pulkovo CO) and AZT-8 in Chuguev (CR4) were devoted to research of asteroids mainly. Also asteroids were observed part of time of Zeiss-600 in Maidanak (CR3), ZTSH in Nauchny (CR1), double Zeiss astrograph in Ussuriysk (UAO), AZT-8 in Evpatoria and Zeiss-600 in Tarija (BNO). Using ZA-320 it was obtained 11000 measurements of positions of 750 celestial bodies, including 400 near-Earth asteroids (NEA) and 17 comets. The precision of measurements was 0.1"-0.5". All observations were regularly sent to Minor Planets Center (MPC). According to the NEODys database (http://newton.dm.unipi.it/cgi-bin/neodys/neoibo) the rating of Pulkovo observatory was increased from 27 to 16 during the project. Currently Pulkovo Observatory is the NIS leader in the NEA observations and occupies the 16th place in the world rating. The Pulkovo observations program included NEAs from so-called "Critical List MPC", asteroids that were recently discovered, double asteroids, asteroids former comets, close and visible approaches of asteroids, asteroids named by names of Pulkovo astronomers, and asteroid star occultations. The Pulkovo asteroid researches are described in special Internet page http://neopage.nm.ru. Moreover, CO obtained 84 measurements of two double asteroids 81 measurements of 5 NEA using Zeiss-600 in Maidanak. Also CR3 obtained 6500 photometric measurements of main-belt asteroids in BVRI filters using Zeiss-600. 5 faint NEAs were observed with ZTSh in Nauchny (CR1). AZT-8 in Chuguev conducted out photometry (in BVRI filters) and polarization measurements of 18 main-belt asteroids and 9 NEA using CCD-camera ST-6 (FLI IMG47-10 since May 2006) and one-channel photoelectric photometer-polarimeter. Typical errors of a single asteroid measurement at different nights were about 0.01-0.03 mag RMS depending on asteroid brightness. Obtained lightcurves, absolute magnitudes and color indexes of asteroids will be included in the international databases such as "Asteroid Photometric Catalogue" and "Planetary Data System". Table 3 (see Annex 2) contains the results of three-night polarization observations of NEA 1992 UY4: asteroid phase angle α, measured polarization degree P and position angle of polarization plane Θ, position angle of the scattering plane χ, polarization degree and position angle of polarization in the coordinate system connected with scattering plane Pr and Θr, respectively. The polarization slope h = 0.32±0.06 of the linear part of polarization phase curve and inversion angle αinv= 17.8±1.0 deg are obtained for NEA 100085 1992 UY4 which allowed to determine its albedo pv= 0.06 and to classify it as low-albedo C-type. The small asteroid 11264 Claudiomaccone is discovered to be the new binary system in main belt. Its determined parameters are close to corresponding parameters of binaries among the NEAs. It is one of the smallest binaries among the main-belt asteroids (Deff=4.2 km) and its discovery is of great value for the estimation of the fraction of binary asteroids and for understanding of mechanisms of their origin. The detailed observations of another binary asteroid 76818 2000 RG79 discovered before by other authors confirmed its binary nature and parameters of the system. Composition types and rotation periods are determined for 15 asteroids (see Table 4 in Annex 2). Also the radar observations of 2000 XP14 asteroid were supported with optical observation of AZT-8 in Evpatoria, AZT-8 in Chuguev and ZA-320 in Pulkovo that allowed first time Russian detection of asteroid echo in RT-64 in Kalyazin in July 3, 2006. This work was included in the list of best achievements of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2006. The asteroid observations fulfilled with AZT-8 in Evpatoria in July and September of 2006 resulted obtaining the MPC code for this telescope.
1.2.4. ZTSh, AT-64 and Zeiss-600 in Nauchny (CR1), Zeiss-600 in Maidanak (CR3), double Zeiss astrograph in Ussuriysk (UAO), AZT-8 in Evpatoria and Zeiss-600 in Tarija (BNO) participated in observation of optical Gamma-Ray Bursts afterglow. The urgent pointing of these telescopes in sky area was started after signal of GRB-detection from space gamma-ray observatories Swift, HETE, INTEGRAL. The statistics of GRB afterglow is shown in table 5. It is very important to point the sky field of GRB as soon as possible urgently after signal of spacecraft, therefore this time is indicated for each observed GRB field in column 5 of table 5. The respective reference number of GRB Coordinates Network circular # is in column 7.
PulCOO carried put 29 from 97 GRB events of 2005 that were detected and localized in sky sphere by spacecrafts Swift, Integral and HETE-2. And 26 events were observed PulCOO in first night after GRB detections. PulCOO telescopes detected 13 events of GRB optical afterglows from 39 such detections around the worlds. This displayed the high performances of PulCOO in parts of geographical distribution of observatories and technical readiness of telescopes. It was obtained 18 evaluations of upper limit of GRB optical afterglows brightness. The detailed research of GRB050824 was arranged during 3 months.
During 2006 Maidanak (CR3) participated in observations of 29 GRB and 21 messages were sent to Circular Service of GRB Coordinates Network; Nauchny (CR1) participated in observations of 32 GRB (including 7 with ZTSh telescope) and 24 messages were sent to Circular Service of GRB Coordinates Network.
Publications without INTAS-CIS co-authorship of the project teams:
International journals:
Yurij N. Krugly, N. M. Gaftonyuk, I. N. Belskaya, V. G. Chiorny, V. G. Shevchenko, F. P. Velichko, D. F. Lupishko, A. A. Konovalenko, I. S. Falkovich, I. E. Molotov. Kharkiv study of near-Earth asteroids. ASP IAU Symposia Series. Accepted for publication.
I. Molotov, V. Agapov, V. Titenko, Z. Khutorovsky, Yu. Burtsev, I. Guseva, V. Rumyantsev, M. Ibrahimov, G. Kornienko, A. Erofeeva, V. Biryukov, V. Vlasjuk, R. Kiladze, R. Zalles, P. Sukhov, R. Inasaridze, G. Abdullaeva, V. Rychalsky, V. Kouprianov, O. Rusakov, S. Korotkiy, E. Filippov. International scientific optical network for space debris research. Submitted in Advances in Space Researches. http://lfvn.astronomer.ru/report/0000012/p000012.htm
National journals
Volvach A.E., Rumyantsev V.V., Molotov I.E., Sochilina A.S., Titenko V.V., Agapov V.M., Kiladze R.I., Schildknecht T., Biryukov V.V., Ibrahimov M.A., Marshalkina A.L., Vlasjuk V.V., Yurisheva O.V., Strepka I.D., Konovalenko A.A., Tuccari G. Research of the space debris fragments at geostationary area. Kosmichna Nauka i Tekhnologiya, v. 12, n. 4, pp. 1-8. http://lfvn.astronomer.ru/report/0000004/p000004.htm
Molotov I., Konovalenko A., Tuccari G., Falkovich I., Nechaeva M., Dementiev A., Kiladze R., Titenko V., Agapov A., Stepanyants V., Khutorovsky Z., Sukhanov S., Burtsev Yu., Fedorov O., Abrosimov V., Volvach A., Deviatkin A., Sochilina A., Guseva I., Abalakin V., Vlasjuk V., Liu Xiang, Gorshenkov Yu., Kornienko G., Zalles R., Ibrahimov M., Sukhov P., Shmeld I., Samodourov V., Buttaccio S., Nicotra C., Pushkarev A., Tsyukh A., Nesteruk V., Erofeeva A., Marshalkina N. Pulkovo Cooperation for radar and optical observations of space objects. Proceedings of sixth US/Russian Space Surveillance Workshop. August 22-26, 2005, Ed. By P. Kenneth Seidelmann. Spb.: VVM. Co. Ltd., 2005, pp. 228-235. http://lfvn.astronomer.ru/report/0000015/ssw_6_3/index.htm
Molotov I., Tuccari G., Konovalenko A., Nechayeva M., Abalakin V., Kiladze R., Titenko V., Khutorovsky Z., Agapov V., Volvach A., Deviatkin A., Sochilina A., Guseva I., Liu Xiang, Gorchenkov Yu. The Pulkovo cooperation program for radar and optical observations of space objects. Abstracts of Sixth US-Russian Space Surveillance Workshop, Edited by P. K. Seidelmann and V.K. Abalakin, August 22-26, 2005, Central Astronomical Observatory at Pulkovo, St.-Petersburg, Russia, p. 25-26.
Molotov I., Agapov V., Guseva I., Kornienko G., Volvach A., Ibrahimov M, Vlasjuk V., Kiladze R., Zalles O, Sukhov P. Progress in development of the Russian scientific optical network for space debris research. Abstracts of the 36th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Beijing, China, 16 - 23 July 2006, 1 page, COSPAR2006-A-01215.
Sukhov P., Molotov I., Titenko V., Agapov V., Volvach A., Guseva I., Ibrahimov M., Kornienko G., Zalles R., Kiladze R., Vlasjuk V., Korotkiy S. Cooperation of NIS optical observers for observation of high-orbit space objects. Proceedings of International conference "Enlargemeht of collaboration in ground-based astronomical research in SEE countries. Studies of the Near-Earth and small bodies of the solar system". September 25-28, 2006. Nikolaev, Ukraine, p.104-106.
Internal reports:
Igor Molotov. Toward to South Sky. Ka-Dar Iinfo Astronomical News No. 3, p. 4.
Molotov I., Sochilina A., Titenko V., Kuprianov V., Ibragimov F. Report "Fiting-GAO" "Observation and tracking of small-sized fragments of space debris in geostationary area, including ephemeredes support, processing and interpretation of obtained measurements with goal of compiling of faint objects catalogue" under contract No. 0479-4301/172-05 with Central research institute of Machine Building", 50 pages. In Russian.
Molotov I., Agapov V., Titenko V., Sochilina A. Report about fulfillment of program No. 102.23-E2-02-05 on carrying out of observations for searching of small-sized fragment in geostationary orbit under agreement with Lavochkin Scientific-Industrial Association, 70 pages. In Russian.
Molotov I., Agapov V., Pozanenko A. Report about spending of devoted financial support of Ministry of Education and Science of Russian Federation to apparatus base of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, Russian Academy of Science, 65 pages. In Russian.
Mansur Ibragimov, Igor Molotov. Asteroid is the target - astronomers start the observations of minor planet bodies. Articles in Internet site of astronomical news. In Russian. http://www.astronomer.ru/news.php?action=1&nid=531
INTAS 03-70-567 allowed creating a complex for comprehensive investigations of status of technogenic pollution in GEO region that resulted fantastic progress in these researches in Russia and Europe. Pulkovo cooperation of optical observers (PulCOO) that joints 9 observing points around the world (and 5 more observatories are ready to join with PulCOO), center on collection, processing and analysis of information on space debris (CCPAISD) of Russian Academy of Sciences and powerful tool for dynamic analysis of orbital evolution of the GEO-objects and their fragments on long-term intervals - LAPLACE analytical motion theory with model of explosions. The close collaboration with ESOC in field of space debris observations was started. The European observatories are observed with ephemeredes calculated by CO and KIA, their measurements are inputted into CCPAISD. From other side, the measurements of PulCOO stations after analyzing at CCPAISD are used in Issues of Classification of Geosynchronous objects annually prepared by ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany. And already there is an interest to collaborate with project cooperation from Roscosmos, ESOC and Chinese Academy of Science (Space Environment Prediction Center).
The project cooperation participates in international IADC (inter-agencies space debris committee) activities (four participants of 3 project teams are members of IADC working groups) in part of an arranging of coordinated observing campaigns of GEO-fragments and controlling the fulfillment the elaborated mitigation measures.
The contracts on searching the small GEO-fragments were signed of Pulkovo Observatory with Central Scientific-Research Institute of Machine Building and Lavochkin Scientific-Industrial Association in 2005/2006. Ussuriysk optical station participated in ground support network during launching and further orbital evolutions of the Express-AM3 geostationary satellite. The order for measurements is now discussed for two future French high-elliptical satellites. The agreement about partnership of PulCOO with Norwegian private company Corona Space Surveillance Centre located in Oslo was signed. Corona Space provides commercial services to spacecraft operators, space agencies and research centers (providing with the relevant information to help to clients understand the impact of the space environment on their business; bringing to a level of security by minimizing the risks on their assets and helping them to make informed decisions). PulCOO continues the works and developments after the INTAS project finishing and i.e. 6 CCD cameras were paid over WP. The optical observations already are carried routinely in each observing night.
The created scientific infrastructure along all Earth longitudes represents significant observing potential for the NIS countries. The quantity of NIS CCD-telescopes was increased more than in two times (and 8 additional PulCOO telescopes will be putted in operation during 2007) that will give great impact on science in the NIS (i.e. already in 2005, PulCOO telescopes detected 13 events of Gamma-ray-burst optical afterglows from 39 such detections around the worlds). The important field of applications of project results is asteroid hazard problem, which unfortunately not attracted the big interest of financial foundation now (Pulkovo Observatory is now the NIS leader in the NEA observations and occupies the 16th place in the world rating from few hundred observatories).
Dedicated Internet Site of PulCOO www.lfvn.astronomer.ru with project news, cooperation description and obtained results that was created in September 2006 was already 14,000 times visited with 1700 users.
1.4. Summary of results
The new powerful scientific instrument - network of optical telescopes along all Earth longitudes - was created and represents significant observing potential for the NIS countries. The purchasing and installation of 9 modern CCD-cameras together with GPS-receivers and dedicated software for CCD frame reduction allowed to increase the quantity of operated CCD-telescopes in the NIS more than in two times (and 8 additional telescopes will be putted in operation during 2007) that will give great impact on science in the NIS in nearest future. The international optical network of 9 scientific observatories has unique combination of various kind telescopes (with large field of view for searching purposes, medium-size for tracking, photometry and polarization observations, and 2.6-m and 1.5-m telescopes for deep-space surveys) and allows to the NIS scientists to effectively solve the many fundamental and applied problems on modern level.
The started practical collaboration of Russian and European space debris scientists resulted the fantastic progress in research of space debris in region of geostationary orbit. It was discovered about 270 geostationary objects that are absent in public distributed orbital data. This is 25% of known population of geostationary objects. 120 objects have brightness more than 15 star magnitude and about 150 objects - fainter than 15 star magnitudes. In common, almost 150'000 measurements, including 25'000 measurements on small fragments were putted into database of Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences on collection, processing and analysis of information on space debris. Also 103 bright objects were included together with their orbital parameters into Issue 8th of Classification of Geosynchronous objects annually prepared by ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany. About 30 fragments first time in the world were tracked on time intervals up to two years that confirms the principal possibility of cataloguing of such kind objects. New population of space debris with extreme area-to-mass ratio and incredible ballistic evolution was discovered. Some GEO fragments propagate as 'natural' solar sail and may be reentering to the Earth atmosphere, crossing all main types of operating satellites orbits.
The NIS researches of asteroids received new impulse. Pulkovo Observatory obtained 11000 precise measurements of positions of 750 celestial bodies, including 400 near-Earth asteroids (NEA) and 17 comets. Currently Pulkovo Observatory is the NIS leader in the NEA observations and occupies the 16th place in the world rating according to the NEODys database. Chuguev observatory conducted out photometry (in BVRI filters) and polarization measurements of 18 main-belt asteroids and 9 NEA. Typical errors of a single asteroid measurement at different nights were about 0.01-0.03 mag RMS depending on asteroid brightness. Maidanak observatory received about 6500 photometric measurements of main-belt asteroids in BVRI filters. Measurements of Evpatoria observatory allowed to receive the MPC observatory code. Optical project observations in support of the radar observations of 2000 XP14 asteroid assisted to first time Russian detection of asteroid echo in RT-64 in Kalyazin in July 3, 2006. This work was included in the list of best achievements of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2006.
The large geographical distribution of observatories and good technical readiness of telescopes allowed to produce significant contribution in observation of optical Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRB) afterglow - up to 35% of such detections around the worlds. I.e. 29 from 97 GRB events of 2005 that were detected and localized in sky sphere by spacecrafts and 26 events were observed in first night after GRB detections.
Dedicated Internet Site of PulCOO www.lfvn.astronomer.ru with project news, cooperation description and obtained results that was created in September 2006 was already 14,000 times visited with 1700 users.
Creation of new optical cooperation triggered attention from Roscosmos, ESOC and Chinese Academy of Science (Space Environment Prediction Center). The contracts on searching the small GEO-fragments were signed with Central Scientific-Research Institute of Machine Building and Lavochkin Scientific-Industrial Association in 2005/2006. The agreement about partnership of PulCOO with Norwegian private company Corona Space Surveillance Centre, which provides commercial services to spacecraft operators, space agencies and research centers, was signed.
The project cooperation participates in international IADC in part of an arranging of coordinated observing campaigns of GEO-fragments and controlling the fulfillment the elaborated mitigation measures.
Key paper references
Volvach A.E., Rumyantsev V.V., Molotov I.E., Sochilina A.S., Titenko V.V., Agapov V.M., Kiladze R.I., Schildknecht T., Biryukov V.V., Ibrahimov M.A., Marshalkina A.L., Vlasjuk V.V., Yurisheva O.V., Strepka I.D., Konovalenko A.A., Tuccari G. Research of the space debris fragments at geostationary area. Kosmichna Nauka i Tekhnologiya, v. 12, n. 4, pp. 1-8. http://lfvn.astronomer.ru/report/0000004/p000004.htm
Molotov I., Konovalenko A., Tuccari G., Falkovich I., Nechaeva M., Dementiev A., Kiladze R., Titenko V., Agapov A., Stepanyants V., Khutorovsky Z., Sukhanov S., Burtsev Yu., Fedorov O., Abrosimov V., Volvach A., Deviatkin A., Sochilina A., Guseva I., Abalakin V., Vlasjuk V., Liu Xiang, Gorshenkov Yu., Kornienko G., Zalles R., Ibrahimov M., Sukhov P., Shmeld I., Samodourov V., Buttaccio S., Nicotra C., Pushkarev A., Tsyukh A., Nesteruk V., Erofeeva A., Marshalkina N. Pulkovo Cooperation for radar and optical observations of space objects. Proceedings of sixth US/Russian Space Surveillance Workshop. August 22-26, 2005, Ed. By P. Kenneth Seidelmann. Spb.: VVM. Co. Ltd., 2005, pp. 228-235. http://lfvn.astronomer.ru/report/0000015/ssw_6_3/index.htm
Yurij N. Krugly, N. M. Gaftonyuk, I. N. Belskaya, V. G. Chiorny, V. G. Shevchenko, F. P. Velichko, D. F. Lupishko, A. A. Konovalenko, I. S. Falkovich, I. E. Molotov. Kharkiv study of near-Earth asteroids. ASP IAU Symposia Series. Accepted for publication.
I. Molotov, V. Agapov, V. Titenko, Z. Khutorovsky, Yu. Burtsev, I. Guseva, V. Rumyantsev, M. Ibrahimov, G. Kornienko, A. Erofeeva, V. Biryukov, V. Vlasjuk, R. Kiladze, R. Zalles, P. Sukhov, R. Inasaridze, G. Abdullaeva, V. Rychalsky, V. Kouprianov, O. Rusakov, S. Korotkiy, E. Filippov. International scientific optical network for space debris research. Submitted in Advances in Space Researches. http://lfvn.astronomer.ru/report/0000012/p000012.htm
Dedicated Internet Site of PulCOO www.lfvn.astronomer.ru with project news, cooperation description and obtained results (minimum 7 articles with mentioning of INTAS 03-70-567).
1.5. Role and Impact of INTAS
Role of INTAS
definitely yes
rather yes
rather not
definitely not
Would the project have been started without funding by INTAS?
***
Would the project have been carried out without funding from INTAS?
***
Main achievement of the project
very important
quite important
less important
not important
exciting science
***
new international contacts
***
additional prestige for my lab
***
additional funds for my lab
***
helping scientists in NIS
***
other (specify): helping European, Russian and Ukrainian researches of space debris
The created International cooperation of optical observers continues the works and developments after the INTAS project finishing and i.e. already 6 CCD cameras were paid over WP. The program of modernization or producing of next 8 telescopes for PulCOO is in realization.
The collaboration of project teams will be continued and even enlarged (it is planned to start the cooperation with 5 other observatories).
2. MANAGEMENT
The project was coordinates by project coordinator Prof. Victor Abalakin with assistance of scientific technical manager Mr. Igor Molotov (CO). The project scientific activities were managed by scientific group of PulCOO from representatives of CO (in part of asteroids), KIA (in part of space debris), IKI (in part of GRB afterglow) with assistance the center on collection, processing and analysis of information on space debris of Russian Academy of Sciences. The special collaborator (Mr. Vladimir Titenko) was appointed in CO to prepare the ephemeredes for PulCOO telescopes and to process the obtained measurements. The CO technical group was planning and performing the technical and training activities of the PulCOO.
2.1. Meetings and visits
In June 2005, Mansur Ibragimov (CR3), Tatyana Dorokhova (OAO), Vladimir Kupriyanov (CO) visited Moscow for two-day meeting with Igor Molotov (CO), Vladimir Titenko (CO), Vladimir Agapov (KIA) and Alexei Pozanenko (IKI) to discuss the project works in Maidanak (CR3) and Mayaki (OAO).
In August 2005, Igor Molotov (CO), Rolan Kiladze (CR2), Mansur Ibragimov (CR3), Vladimir Agapov (KIA), Alexei Pozanenko (IKI), Peter Sukhov (OAO) visited Pulkovo for two-day meeting with Victor Abalakin (CO), Alla Sochilina (CO), Alexander Deviatkin (CO), Irina Guseva (CO). Also the representative of other observatories that would like to collaborate with PulCOO were participate in on from negotiations (see Fig. 14 of Annex 2) - Makhmud Gulyamov (Gissar, Tajikistan) and Valeriy Vlasjuk (Zelenchuk, North Caucasus). It were discussed the project activities in the whole, the stage of preparing of telescopes and their equipping with CCD cameras, the plans of test and training observations.
In August 2005, Thomas Schildknext (Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern) and Heiner Klinkard (European Space Operations Center of ESA) visited Pulkovo for two-day meeting with Victor Abalakin (CO), Igor Molotov (CO), Alla Sochilina (CO), Vladimir Agapov (KIA), Rolan Kiladze (CR2), Mansur Ibragimov (CR3) to discuss the status and plans of collaboration of PulCOO and ESA, to arrange the further joint observations of small fragments at geostationary orbit with Zimmerwald, Tenerife, Nauchny and Maidanak.
In September 2005, Igor Molotov (CO) visited Simeiz observatory (CR1) for two-day meeting with Alexander Volvach (CR1) and Igor Nikolenko (CR1) to discuss the insufficient use of first CCD camera at ZTSh and Zeiss-600, the overloading of AT-64 with commercial observations, the possibility of exchange of AT-64 to Zeiss-1000 for installing of second CCD camera of CR1.
In September 2005, Vasilij Rumyantsev (CR1) and Vadim Biryukov (CR1) visited Moscow for one-day meeting with Igor Molotov (CO), Vladimir Agapov (KIA) and Alexei Pozanenko (IKI) to discuss the status of participation of AT-64 in the project activities.
In September 2005, Vladimir Kupriyanov (CO) visited Maidanak observatory (CR3), Uzbekistan, for the meeting with Mansur Ibragimov (CR3) and Anastasia Marshalkina (CR3) and for 10-day staying to arrange the test and training observations of space debris objects and asteroids with Zeiss-600 and new CCD camera. The GPS-receiver was putted into operations. New software for CCD frame processing was installed.
In October 2005, Irina Guseva (CO) visited former Pulkovo optical station in Tarija, Bolivia for the meeting with Rodolfo Zalles and Olga Zalles and for 35-day staying to clear the status of telescopes (last visit was in 1989) and arranges test and training observations of space debris with 23-cm expedition astrograph and temporary loaned CCD camera.
In November 2005, Olga Zalles (Tarija, Bolivia) visited Pulkovo for four-day training in observations and data reductions.
In November 2005, Anna Erofeeva (UAO) visited Moscow for one-day meeting with Igor Molotov (CO), Vladimir Titenko (CO), Alexei Pozanenko (IKI) and Vladmir Agapov (KIA) to discuss the status project works in Ussuriysk (UAO), then Anna Erofeeva visited Pulkovo for the meeting with Alla Sochilina (CO), Alexander Deviatkin (CO), Irina Guseva (CO), Victor L'vov (CO) and Vladimir Kupriyanov (CO), and for 10-day staying to learn the works with new CCD camera, GPS-receiver and new software for CCD frames processing.
In December 2005-January 2006, Vladimir Kupriyanov (CO) visited Abastumani for the meeting with Rolan Kiladze (CR2) and for 10-day staying to install new CCD camera at 40-cm double Zeiss astrograph and GPS-receiver, and arrange test and training observations of space debris.
In December 2005, Igor Molotov (CO) visited Pulkovo for one-day meeting with Alla Sochilina (CO), Alexander Deviatkin (CO), Irina Guseva (CO), Victor L'vov (CO), and Oleg Rusakov (CO) to discuss the status of project works in the whole, the status of ZA-320 observations, the status of MTM-500 preparing, and to plan the works for the second project half-year.
In February 2006, Olga Zalles (BNO) visited Pulkovo Observatory for the 3-days meeting with Irina Guseva (CO) and Alexander Stepanov (CO). One from the goal was learning the CCD frames processing software.
In March 2006, Igor Molotov (CO), Vladimir Agapov (KIA) and Rolan Kiladze (CR2) visted Pulkovo observatory for two days for negotiations with Alexandre Nicolas (Corona Space Surveillance Centre, Norway) and for meeting with Alexander Stepanov (director of observatory), Irina Guseva (CO), Vladimir Kuprianov (CO).
In April 2006, Igor Molotov (CO) and Vladimir Agapov (KIA) visited Tsukuba, Japan for 5 days for the meeting with Thomas Schildknext, Heiner Klinkard and Ruediger Jhen (European Space Operations Center of ESA) to discuss collaboration if field of GEO fragments observations and for the meeting with Liu Jing (Space Environment Prediction Center) to discuss the possibilities of PulCOO collaboration with Chine in field of high-elliptical object observations.
In May 2006, Igor Molotov (CO) and Vladimir Agapov (KIA) visited Nauchny (CR1) for two days negotiations with Vasilij Rumyantsev (CR1), Vadim Biryukov (CR1) and Alla Rostopchina-Shakhovskaya (CR1, director of observatory) to discuss the appearing problem in relations of Crimean observatory and PulCOO, then Molotov and Agapov visited Simeiz for one day meeting with Alexander Volvach (CR1) to discuss which from two telescopes may be involved in PulCOO (it was solved to involve Zeiss-600), and the Molotov and Agapov visited Evpatoria in order to discuss the possibility of trial experiments with AZT-8, and then they visited Kharkov for the meeting with Yurij Krugly (CR4) and in order to transfer new CCD-camera for Chuguev observatory.
In May 2006 Vladimir Kouprianov visited Zelenchuk (Special Astrophysical Observatory in North Caucasus) for 5 days the meeting with Valery Vlasjuk about observations of fragments with 1-m Zeiss-1000, then Vladimir visited Mayaki observational point of Odessa Observatory for 10 days staying to install new CCD camera at new 60-cm RK-600 and GPS-receiver, and arrange test and training observations of space debris meeting with Peter Sukhov (OAO).
In June 2006, Elena Litvinenko (CR3) visited Pulkvo observatory for three-days meeting with Irina Guseva (CO) and Vladimir Kuprianov (CO) to discuss the possibility of recovering the 40-cm telescope double Zeiss astrograph in Kitab, and then Elena had 5-nights training observations in private Ka-Dar observatory near Moscow.
In June 2006, Rolan Kiladze (CR2) visited Pulkovo observatory for 3 days the meeting with Alexander Stepanov (CO) and Victor Abalakin (CO) and in order to bring CCD-camera from Abastumani for the repairing.
In June 2006, Irina Guseva (CO) visited Moscow for the two days meeting with Igor Molotov (CO), Vladimir Agapov (KIA) and Stas Korotkiy (KIA) to discuss the plan of works on second half of 2006.
In July 2006, Igor Molotov (CO), Andrey Rybintstev (CO), Stas Korotkiy (KIA) visted Evpatoria in Crimea for one week in order to arrange the trial observations with AZT-8.
In July 2006, Igor Molotov (CO), Vladimir Kuprianov (CO) visited Beijing, China for 4 days for the meeting with with Thomas Schildknext, Heiner Klinkard and with Liu Jing in order to discuss the possibility of collaboration.
In August 2006, Mansur Ibrahimov (CR3) visited Moscow for the two-days meeting with Igor Molotov (CO) and Vladimir Agapov), and then with Alexei Pozanenko (IKI) in order to discuss the possibility to intensify the collaboration.
In September 2006, Igor Molotov (CO) visited Pulkovo observatory for 3-days for negotiation with CO.
In September 2006, Stas Korotkiy (KIA) visited Evpatoria for 10-days observations with AZT-8 and then visited Simeiz during 3 days in order to met Alexander Volvach (CR1) and Yurij Krugly (CR4) in order to discuss the program of Zeis-600 rehabilitation.
In October 2006, Irina Guseva (CO) and Stas Korotkiy (KIA) visited Tarija, Bolivia for 40-days staying the meeting with Rodolfo Zalles (BNO) and Olga Zalles (BNO) and for recovering the Zeiss-600, for installation of new CCD camera and for carrying out of trial observations.
Visits
Number of scientists
Number of person days
West ==> East
4
10
East ==> West
1
35
West ==> West
-
-
East ==> East
29
145
2.2. Collaboration
Intensity of Collaboration
high
rather high
rather low
low
West <=> East
***
West <=> West
***
East <=> East
***
The close collaboration was achieved with:
Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of Russian Academy of Sciences
Space Research Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences
Ussuriysk Astrophysical Observatory of Far East Branch of of Russian Academy of Sciences
As this was planned Work Programme, in addition, Astronomical Observatory of Mechnikov Odessa National University (Ukraine) was involved in the project, as partner of PulCOO
Also the following observatories participated in the PulCOO activities:
Special Astrophysical Observatory of Russian Academy of Sciences (Zelenchuk, North Caucasus)
Gissar Observatory of Institute of Astronomy, Academy of Science of Tadjikistan
Bolivian National Observatory in Tarija
Private Ka-Dar observatory near Moscow
National Control and Space Facilities Test Center, Sakskiy region of Crimea, Ukraine.
Scientific-Education Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics of Tiraspol State University, Moldova
The observations of the space debris on the geostationary orbit were made jointly with:
Zimmerwald observatory of Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern
Tenerife observatory of European Space Agency
Observatory Sciences Ltd. (PIMS observatory network, England)
2.3. Time Schedule
The time planning is in accordance with the Work Program mainly with three deviations.
The works on upgrade of 70-cm Maxutov (CR2) and 50-cm MTM-500 (CO) were not finished, but the teams prepared other telescopes for installation of CCD cameras - double Zeiss astrograph in Abastumani (CR2), 32-cm ZA-320 in Pulkovo (CO). Good scientific results is obtained regularly with these telescopes (ZA-320 for asteroids, double Zeiss astrograph for space debris), therefore it was solved to use the CCD cameras for these telescopes and for future.
Last project CCD-camera was installed at telescope with few month delays. This cameras was planned at first for AT-64 telescope in Nauchny (CR1), but there was a problem with working of this telescope under INTAS project. Therefore CR1 proposed other telescope Zeiss-1000 in Simeiz, but then CR1 together with CR4 reveived Ukrainian grant and purchased very good CCD camera for this Zeiss-1000. Therefore last project camera was used at two expeditions (in Evpatoria, Crimea, and in Tarija, Bolivia) and finally installed at double Zeiss astrograph in Kitab (CR3). The problem with AT-64 was removed in May of 2006 during visit of Igor Molotov (CO) and Vladimir Agapov (KIA) in Nauchny and even more large CCD-camera PL16803 is already paid for AT-64. Moreover, Zeiss-600 in Simeiz (CR1) will be modernized by joint efforts of CR1 and PulCOO during 2007 and IMG1001E camera which used now at ZTSh in Nauchny (CR1) will be installed at Zeiss-600 in Simeiz. New PL1001E camera, 0 grade (!!), that is in 30 times more fas, is already purchased for ZTSh, but is not received still because of customs problem.
2.4. Problem encountered
Two CCD-cameras (CR2 and OAO) had breakage and were repaired by FLI Company in USA free of charge.
Few other cameras had problem with shutter, and PulCOO technical group elaborated the solution in order to remove this problem. Also three sets of spare shutter details were purchased.
Two GPS-receivers (CR3 and UAO) were exchanged at Distributor Company in Moscow because of appearing problems.
One CCD camera, PL1001E that was purchased in end of 2006 on ZTSh is placed at Customs already 40 days. Possibly this camera will be returned in USA and then resend again in NIS with any person as private baggage.
The EPOS software package for observation of asteroids that was created in support of INTAS 2001-0669 was not distributed among all PulCOO observatories as it was planned. The team that elaborated EPOS would like to have additional money from each observatory-user.
In 2005 AT-64 in Nauchny (CR1) was mainly used for observations of satellites under commercial contract. But since May 2006, AT-64 is fully participated in INTAS project.
The works on upgrade of 70-cm Maxutov (CR2) and 50-cm MTM-500 (CO) were not finished, but the teams prepared other telescopes for temporary using of CCD cameras - double Zeiss astrograph in Abastumani (CR2), 32-cm ZA-320 in Pulkovo (CO).
Problems encountered
major
minor
none
not applicable
Co-operation of team Members
***
Transfer of funds
***
Telecommunication
***
Transfer of goods
***
Other
***
2.5. Action required
Approving the installation of second project camera in second telescope of CR3 in Kitab with taking into account that CR1 will receive two other (much better) CCD-cameras soon (one camera for ZTSh is already purchased and placed now at Customs of St.-Petersburg, second camera for AT-64 is already paid). It is necessary to mark that this double 40-cm Zeiss astrograph telescope will be maintaining by joint team of CO and CR3, because earlier Kitab observation point was under Pulkovo observatory and one from Pulkovo collaborator (Elena Litvinenko) that is staying in Kitab will be working with new CCD-camera.
Approving the staying of Abastumani observatory (CR2) camera with double 40-cm Zeiss astrograph instead of 70-cm Maxutov. The Georgian Academy of Science does not exist now and Abastumani observatory can not receive necessary money for refurbishing 70-cm Maxutov telescope. CO and other project teams are satisfied with observations results that is obtained by CR2 with double 40-cm Zeiss astrograph.
3. FINANCES (in EURO)
3.1. This grant
Contractor
Cost Category
TOTAL (Euro)
#
Name of Contractor
Individual Grants Labour Costs
Overheads
Travel and Subsistence
Consuables
Equipment
Other Costs
1
CAO (CO)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
SCA (CR1)
0
0
0
0
2389
0
2389
3
AAO (CR2)
0
0
0
0
6785
0
6785
4
UAI (CR3)
0
0
0
0
13103
0
13103
5
CR4 (CR4)
0
0
0
0
7723
0
7723
TOTAL (Euro)
0
0
0
0
30000
0
30000
The money was spent in accordance with WP.
Two CCD cameras FLI IMG-6303E, grade 1 and one FLI IMG47-10 were purchased for CR2, CR3 and CR4 as it was planned in WP. Last, fourth CCD-camera FLI IMG1001E was purchased for CR3 instead of CR1. This is because of four CCD-cameras from other money sources (project co-sponsor, Ukrainian grant and PulCOO contracts on space debris observations) were already purchased for CR1.
2389 Euros are spent for CR1 on purchasing of filter wheels, filter sets and digital focuser.
3.2. Other funding
30'000 Euro was released by Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics (KIA) of Russian Academy of Sciences (using grant of Russian Ministry of Education and Science). This money was spent for purchasing four CCD cameras, three CFW-1 five-position color filter wheels, and three sets of the 48 mm BVRI filters for CO, CR1, UAO and OAO.
10'000 Euro was received by CO from Central Scientific-Research Institute of Machine Building and Lavochkin Scientific-Industrial Association in 2005 for the analysis of GEO fragments observations results obtained with PulCOO in test and training observations. This money were spent for the 6 GPS-receivers purchasing, CCD camera completing (cables and power supply), for the expedition to Tarija (Bolivia), Maidanak (Uzbekistan), Abastumani (Georgia), invitation in Pulkovo of CR3, UAO, OAO and Gissar Observatory representatives.
30'000 Euro was received KIA and CO from Central Scientific-Research Institute of Machine Building and Lavochkin Scientific-Industrial Association for arranging of GEO fragment observations in 2006. This money was spent for payment for three CCD-cameras (FLI PL16803, FLI PL1001E, FLI PL09000).
8'000 Euro were released by private Russian sponsor for purchasing the CCD camera FLI IMG1001E and filter wheels with U,B,V,R,I filter set in Tarija, Bolivia.
10'000 Euro were released by Pulkovo observatory (CO) for purchasing the CCD camera FLI PL09000 for 65-cm refractor in Pulkovo
5'000 Euro were released by Academy of Science of Tajikistan for purchasing the CCD camera FLI PL1001E for 70-cm AZT-8 telescope in Gissar.
