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| | Lomonosov - Russia and Astronomy (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-03) |
 | | Although star maps have improved considerably during the 20th Century, the inherent limitations of surface-based observations can be overcome from a high altitude space platform. |
 | | The program's objectives include observations of all stars of 10th magnitude and brighter (~400,000), of selected stars between 10th and 13th magnitude (~8,000), of 30 of the brightest sources of extra-galactic radiation, and of 40 natural bodies of the solar system (major and minor planets). |
 | | Based loosely on the Venera-class spacecraft but with improvements developed for the new Spektr-class satellites, Lomonosov is envisioned as a 5.8 metric ton, 9 m tall vehicle witha 1,000 kg scientific payload. |
| www.fas.org /spp/guide/russia/science/astronomy/lomonosov.htm (369 words) |
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