Astrophysical Space Mission Astron-2 for an All-Sky Survey in the Ultraviolet Spectral Domain

Abstract

This paper presents the project of the space astrophysical observatory Astron-2 aimed to carry out the all-sky spectral and photometric survey in the ultraviolet spectral region (115–310 nm). The major instrument of the observatory is a 210-cm aperture telescope with a field of view of approximately 2 degrees. Six additional telescopes with an aperture of 30–40 cm and a field of view of 10 degrees will be used for the all-sky survey in a wide range of wavelengths simultaneously with ultraviolet observations. The expected timeframe for the construction of the Astron-2 observatory is 2025–2035 with the launch after the completion of the Spektr-UF mission. The list of the most important astrophysical problems that can be solved with Astron-2 is presented. Taking into account the facilities created during the implementation of the Spektr-UF mission, the total cost of Astron-2 will be much less than the NASA and ESA next generation missions. At the same time, this project will become a flagship mission in astrophysics, which will allow Russia to have a “scientific monopoly” in UV observations.