Roscosmos invited bid for construction of solar exploration complex. The total of the contract exceeds 30 million US dollars as was stated at Government procurement webpage.
The works are to be accomplished by November 25, 2015. Applications should be send within the period from May 13 to June 18, 2013 and will be processed on June 20, with the results of the tenders announced on June 25, 2013.
Formerly Roscosmos Science and Engineering Board approved draft project of “Interheliozond” solar observatory and raised an issue of constructing not one but two such objects to expand scientific program and raise the reliability of the mission.
“Interheliozond”will be launched in 2015 and is designed for solar-terrestrial relationships exploration. Maneuvering near Venus this probe will gradually approaching the Sun and make numerous measurements on “Sun-Earth” line. This mission will allow the scientists to study the Sun’s atmosphere and make measurements beyond ecliptic plane where the Earth’s orbit lies. The device will be able to find the Sun’s Polar Regions and study bursts and other active processes.
Engineers of Lavochkin Research and Production Association where the progect was developed suggest using electrojet propulsion system which enables the device to cover a large distance and reach the Sun’s neighborhood. The screen to protect the device from solar infrared radiation will be made of carbonic composites. Furthermore as the device will work under condition of high temperature special solar panels with forced cooling will be developed.
