The Millimetron space observatory will receive a 10-meter telescope with a deployable primary mirror. It will be created by the Reshetnev enterprise under the order of the Astro Space Center of FIAN.

The primary mirror will be one of the key parts of the scientific complex. In its folded state, the structure must fit during launch, and after reaching orbit, deploy and form a reflective surface 10 meters in diameter. According to the project data, the surface accuracy should reach 6 µm.

The telescope is designed for observations in the millimeter and infrared ranges with wavelengths from 0.07 to 10 mm. The large mirror area and high accuracy of its surface are necessary to register extremely weak signals from distant objects in the Universe.

Millimetron will be able to operate not only as a separate space telescope, but also in ground-space interferometer mode. In this mode, the system will be able to obtain very high angular resolution and study compact objects, including regions around supermassive black holes.

NPO Lavochkin is the lead contractor for the project, and the Astro Space Center of FIAN is developing the scientific equipment. Reshetnev is responsible for the design of the space telescope, including the antenna, as well as for the assembly and testing of the equipment.