Gamma-400 astrophysical space observatory designed to study gamma-ray sources in the Universe is to be launched by Angara booster from Vostochny launchsite, – reported Arkady Galper, researcher of Russian Academy of Science Institute of Physics, who is a supervisor of the project.
In April Lavochkin Scientific development and production center Director General Vladimir Kolmykov said that the launch is planned for 2030.
“Previously it was Ukrainian Zenit booster supposed to orbit the observatory. Then the possible use of Proton was discussed. Now it is decided that Gamma-400 will be launched by Angara booster from Vostochny”, – the source stated.
According to him the observatory is to be inserted into highly elliptical orbit to exceed earth radiation belt. After that the orbit will become circular with an altitude about 200-300 thousand kilometers due to the Earth and the Moon influence, – the scientist explained.
Gamma-400 observatory is designed to study the nature of dark matter in the Universe, to develop high-energy cosmic rays origin theory and elementary particle physics, to explore cosmic gamma-rays within high-energy and X-rays range as well as to track cosmic rays charged particles and gamma-ray bursts.
Apart from already mentioned Institute of Physics and Lavochkin the project also involves Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, RAS Institute of Space Researches and Scientific Research Institute of System analysis.
