OREANDA-NEWS. A Shvabe Holding has completed its production of precise scanning mirrors, designed for use in the new meteorological satellites "Arctic-M".

Specialists from a Shvabe Holding, the Lytkarino Optical Glass Factory, have produced experimental samples of new components for a multispectral scanner designed for the hydrometeorological observation of the Earth from orbit. To complete this task they developed new equipment which allows the mirrors' controlled adjustment.

"The precise scanning mirror unit is a mirror which revolves or swings (depending on the type) around its axis. Due to the way the mirror operates, it can scan the Earth's surface and increases the satellite equipment's field of vision. In order to prevent image distortion, when assemblying the unit, the mirror is set relative to the rotation axis with a high degree of accuracy. Previously, analogous units were produced for "Electro-L" - second generation hydrometeorological support satellites. The new scanning mirrors are made for use in the newest satellite "Arctic-M". I should note that the entire scanning devices, including the mirrors themselves, were created by the Holding's specialists. The new products are distinguished by their improved reliability, as well as their extended life span", reported Nikolay Rakovich, Deputy CEO of R&D and Innovative Development at Shvabe.

"Arctic-M" is the newest generation of satellite for the hydrometeorological space system "Arctic", which is designed to monitor the condition of the Earth's surface and atmosphere in the Arctic region which is inaccessible for observation from geostationary orbits. This multipurpose system will help to obtain heliogeophysical data in the polar regions of the Earth on the basis of multi-spectrum images taken at intervals of 15-30 minutes. The system will also provide an opportunity to carry out a range of other important tasks which include telephone and telematic services.

"Arctic-М" is the first stage in creating a new unified space system. This satellite will be placed into a highly elliptical orbit for hydrometeorological monitoring and intercom and emergency communications. It will help provide sea and ocean forecasts, and a forecast of the ionosphere and the Earth's magnetic field. It will also monitor the climate and its global changes, and it will monitor emergency situations and the natural environment. Moreover, data obtained from the satellite will be used to forecast weather at a regional and a global level, and it will be used to predict conditions for aviation.

Shvabe will continue to participate in this large-scale project in the future. In fact it is well known that Shvabe plans to produce more scanning mirrors for another two "Arctic-M" satellites.