Russian scientists are developing a detector for measuring X-ray quantum fluxes with high temporal resolution to determine the location of a spacecraft. This was stated by Academician Anatoly Petrukovich, Director of the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
If we measure variations in X-ray radiation from rotating neutron stars-pulsars, then by comparing signals from several objects, we will be able to determine the position of a spacecraft in space with an accuracy of several kilometers.
These are very important tasks for space exploration, Petrukovich emphasized. Currently, the coordinates of spacecraft are determined by exchanging radio signals with Earth, he explained.
Such detectors are needed, among other things, to equip the astrophysical observatory "Spektr-RGN" ("Spektr-Roentgen-Gamma-Navigation"). Its preliminary design will be completed by approximately 2027. When creating "Spektr-RGN", it is planned to use technologies developed for "Spektr-RG" ("Spektr-Roentgen-Gamma").
The orbital observatory "Spektr-RG" was created by specialists from NPO Lavochkin with the participation of the German Aerospace Center. It was launched into space in July 2019.
The spacecraft was deployed in orbit at a distance of 1.5 million km from Earth (Lagrange point). It is designed to create a map of the Universe in the X-ray energy range of 0.2–30 keV.
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