In Karachay-Cherkessia, in the vicinity of Mount Chapal, at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level, a unique military facility is located - the Krona radio-optical complex for recognizing space objects. With its help, the Russian military controls near and deep space. On July 10, the Krona military complex celebrated its 35th anniversary.
The "RG" journalist visited a specific military unit and learned how hunters for spy satellites are on duty.
Land of flying dogs
According to the official address, the military complex "Krona" is located in the village of Storozhevaya-2, but neither paper nor electronic maps of such settlement was not found. For all search queries, the navigator showed only one small village of Storozhevaya, lost in the foothills of the Caucasian ridge. And in the village itself, in order to find out the way to "Krone", I had to take a "tongue". The villagers and children named the bridge, the store, the abandoned sheds as landmarks, and when asked if it was far from the part, as if by agreement, they answered: "Yes, it's right here."
The Krona military observatory is located on the top of the Chapal mountain. The military themselves call the site for astronomical observations "the land of flying dogs." This is not a metaphor, but evidence of the strength of the winds on Chapal. Officers say that once during the construction of the telescope, the wind blew away local dog... They brought in a few more, but all of them were carried away. Perhaps this is an army bike, but the name stuck.
The winds are really strong here, but the days and nights are clear all year round... It was the peculiarities of the atmosphere that became the decisive factor in choosing the location of the "Krona", - the deputy commander of the unit, Major Sergei Nesterenko, told me.
Construction of the Krona military complex began at the height of the Cold War, in 1979. Then the race entered outer space: 3 thousand artificial satellites revolved around the Earth. In addition, it was necessary to monitor the flights ballistic missiles probable enemy. Under the guidance of a doctor technical sciences Vladimir Sosulnikov, Soviet scientists have developed a complex that combines radar station and an optical telescope. This design would make it possible to obtain the maximum information about the passing satellites. Before the collapse of the USSR, it was planned to use the MiG-31D interceptor fighters as part of the Krona, which were intended to destroy satellites in near-earth orbit. After the events of 1991, tests of space fighters stopped.
The construction and commissioning of all objects of the "Krona" complex took many years. The officers of the Aerospace Defense Forces serving on the complex say that the military builders performed a feat when 350 km of power lines were stretched in the mountains, 40,000 concrete slabs were laid, and 60 km of water pipes were laid. Although the main work was completed in 1984, due to financial difficulties, the system was put into trial operation in November 1999. The adjustment of the equipment continued for several more years, and only in 2005 the "Krona" was put on alert. But tests and modernization of the pearl of the complex - a laser optical locator - are still ongoing.
Space debris portrait painters
At the top of Mount Chapal, the optical means of the system are located, and at the bottom - the radar. The uniqueness of "Krona" is that there is no other facility in which the capabilities of optical and radar facilities would be concentrated in Russia, ”Major Nesterenko explained.
Control of outer space begins with observing the hemisphere of the sky, detecting space objects and determining their trajectory. Then they are photographed, which makes it possible to determine appearance and motion parameters. Next stage control - determination of the reflective characteristics of a space object. And as a result - its recognition, identification of belonging, purpose and technical characteristics.
The main instrument - an optical telescope - is located in one of the structures in a tower with a white dome that opens during operation.
It is this telescope, which, working as part of the Krona optical-electronic system, makes it possible to obtain images of space objects in reflected sunlight at a distance of up to 40 thousand km. Simply put, we see all objects, including those up to 10 cm in diameter, in near and deep space, '' said Major Alexander Lelekov, commander of the duty crew. - After computer processing, the data are sent to the Outer Space Control Center in the Moscow Region. There they are processed and entered into the Main Catalog of Space Objects. Now only the Americans have the ability to compile such an information base, who, in accordance with international treaties, regularly exchange this information. According to the latest data, 10 thousand space objects rotate around the Earth, including operating domestic and foreign satellites. A separate category is space debris. According to various estimates, there are up to 100 thousand pieces of debris in orbit.
Why are they dangerous?
First of all, uncontrollability. Collision with them can lead to disruption of communications, navigation, as well as to man-made accidents and disasters. For example, a small 1 cm fragment can disable any satellite or even orbital station type ISS. But this is in space. And there may be consequences associated with the fall of space objects on the Earth. For example: once a week, an object more than 1 meter in size leaves orbit. And our task is to foresee such a situation, to determine with what degree of probability it will occur, where, in what area there will be a fall.
Not familiar with UFOs
Accompanied by the officers, I pass into the holy of holies - the command post of the unit. I am immediately warned that photography is limited here. It is categorically impossible to remove the work places of the "Krona" complex duty officers.
Impeccable cleanliness everywhere. Unlike modern movies, where the military or scientists have a lot of all kinds of equipment and computers, the interior here is spartan and more reminiscent of the setting of the 1980s. Karelian birch panels, bedside tables, desks, table lamps, dial telephones. On the walls are homemade visual agitation: hand-drawn posters about the Space Forces, the history of the unit, tables with calculations on which the readings of the radars are written in chalk. In the operating room, where several officers are on alert, there is a huge screen in front of the tables, onto which the entire space situation is projected. Commands are heard from the speakers, understandable only to military stargazers.
The Russian banner, portraits of Putin and Shoigu remind of modernity. In the red corner is the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
The local priest gave this to us when he blessed the locator, - says Alexander Lelekov.
I immediately remembered the ditties that were sung in 1961: "Gagarin flew into space - he did not see God." But, apparently, times are changing, and there are no atheists left among the military.
After observing the work of the duty crew, I ask the question: do you believe in astrology and have you ever met a UFO at work? The major, with a smile like Yuri Gagarin's, replied:
I don't believe in astrology. As for UFOs ... I have been in the army for many years, before the Krona complex I served on the Pechora and in the Moscow region, but I have never encountered anything like it. All objects that we observe have a reasonable origin.
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General information
Monopulse secondary radar (MSSR) "KRONA" is manufactured using advanced technologies:
- - high-frequency units of the receiver, transmitter are made according to thin-film technology in sealed structures filled with inert gas;
- - emitters and devices of the antenna beamforming system are made on strip lines filled with a dielectric;
- - cables between the antenna and the drive tower, between the drive tower and the interrogator, inside the antenna system are manufactured using methods that exclude soldering of connectors to HF cables;
- - signal processors, FPGAs and high-performance computers from Advantech are used in the processing equipment;
- - high-frequency and mechanical structures operating outdoors have a design that is resistant to harsh conditions the environment(tested in the conditions of the northern, southern seas, as well as the deserts of Central Asia).
The KRONA MSSR uses monopulse technology, an all-solid-state interrogator and an antenna with a large vertical aperture. The system has the ability to upgrade to S mode through additional equipment and addition software... In this case, changes in all equipment are not required.
Specifications
- 1. SSR generates interrogation signals in RBS and ATC modes in accordance with the requirements of ICAO and GOST 21800-89.
- 2. SSR processes response signals in RBS and ATC modes.
- 3. Field of view:
- - the minimum elevation angle is not more than 0.5 0;
- - the maximum elevation angle is not less than 45 0;
- - the minimum range is no more than 1 km;
- - the maximum range is not less than 400 km.
The specified zone is provided at zero closing angles and the level of false alarms R l. t. = 10 -6.
- 4. Working frequencies:
- - via the request channel 10300.1 MHz (in ATC and RBS);
- - via the RBS 10903 MHz answer channel;
- - over the ATC response channel 7401.8 MHz.
Polarization at 1030 and 1090 MHz is vertical, at 740 MHz - horizontal.
- 5. Probability of getting additional information when the aircraft is in the main lobe of the antenna system directional diagram (GLDN) and in the absence of interfering interrogating signals - not less than 0.98.
- 6. Root-mean-square error of coordinates measurement at the digital channel output:
- - at a distance of 50 m;
- - in azimuth 4.8 mґ for RBS;
- 6 ґ for ATC.
- 7. Resolution:
- - at a distance of 100 m in RBS mode;
- 150 m in ATC mode;
- - in azimuth 0.6 0 in RBS mode;
- 0.9 0 in ATC mode.
- 8. Pulse power on request and suppression channels? 2 kW.
- 9. Sensitivity of receivers of sum, difference channels and channels
suppression is not worse than -116 dB / W.
- 10. The antenna system has the following parameters:
- - the level of the side lobes of the radiation patterns of the total and
difference channels -24 dB;
The width of the radiation pattern in the horizontal plane of the antenna
total channel at f = 1090 MHz 3 0; at f = 740 MHz 3.5 0.
11. Rotation speed: 6 rpm for route and 15 rpm for airfield
MSSR options.
- 12. Pulse repetition frequency 150 ... 300 Hz.
- 13. Antenna system ensures operation of SSR at wind speed
up to 30 m / s with icing up to 5 mm and without icing up to 40 m / s.
14. Power supply: 3 phases 380 V, frequency 50 Hz via two independent cables:
R cons. 20 kW - full power consumption with heating and air conditioning;
R cons. 6 kW - power consumption electronic equipment(CEA) with antenna rotation.
15. Mean time between failures 4000 hours.
The principle of operation of the MSSR "KRONA"
The transmitter generates high-frequency signals via two outputs: to the request and suppression channels (MD and OD), which, through the switched HF paths and rotating transitions, enter the antenna and are radiated into space (Fig. 3.13).
Antenna system (AS) - a flat phased antenna array (PAR) with emitters. When radiating, the AU forms two directional patterns (DP) at f = 1030 MHz: total (MD) and suppression (MD), in which requests are transmitted to aircraft transponders of ATC and RBS.
When receiving, the AU generates 3 DPs: total, differential and suppression, at two frequencies - for RBS and ATC modes. Antenna weight 450 kg. Dimensions 80019010 cm.
The antenna system consists of 2 linear antenna arrays in the horizontal plane measuring 780-150 cm. The AC consists of 34 radiation elements, each of which is a flat vertical module 1.5 m long.
The OD and MD signals received by the antenna system from the aircraft transponders through the corresponding channels of the high-frequency paths, the rotating transitions go to the switches of the sets, which switch the received signals to the inputs of the OD and MD receivers of the main set.
In the receiver of the PRM MD, signals are processed in the RBS range (1090 MHz), and in the PRM OD - in the ATC range (740 MHz). The receivers carry out amplification of signals, conversion to an intermediate frequency (f pr), detection, detection, suppression of signals received along the side lobes of the beam pattern (BPD) of the sum channel, conversion of the sum and difference signals into a deviation code from an equisignal direction (RSN) to determine the azimuth of the aircraft ... The detection signals, the digital code of the channel amplitude and the digital code of the magnitude of the deviation from the PCH are fed to the response processor (RP), where the primary processing of the radar image takes place.
The received information from the SbA goes to the secondary processing processor (PVO or GPR - the main processor of the radar).
Air defense carries out:
- - comparison of the newly adopted radar image with the one obtained in previous surveys;
- - filtering false radar information;
- - formation of information codograms and their transfer to consumers;
- - generation of receiver gain control codes (VARU) and transmitter power control codes.
Information from the interrogator's cabinet is transmitted to consumers (to ATC AS and terminals) via modems via TLF communication cables.
The MVRL transmitter has 3 operating modes:
- 1 - combined ATC and RBS request mode;
- 2 - the mode of separate requests of ATC and RBS;
- 3 - combined request mode with ground speed request.
Each interrogator cabinet has 2 receivers - Rx OD and Rx MD. The structure of both receivers is the same. They differ only in the input frequency. For PRM OD f c = 740 MHz, for PRM MD f c = 1090 MHz. Each receiver has 3 independent, decoupled channels: sum (), difference () and suppression (). Receivers amplify, convert signals and solve the problems of primary signal processing. Their specifications the following:
- - intermediate frequency f pr = 60 MHz;
- - bandwidth P = 8 MHz (at the level of 3 dB);
- - dynamic range D 70 dB;
- - the sensitivity of the receiver is not worse than -116 dB / W;
- - noise factor K w 4 dB;
- - selectivity in the mirror channel (60 dB).
The control device PRM (UK) is built on the basis of a micro-computer and provides:
- - monitoring the serviceability of the PRM units and transferring the monitoring results to the ACK controller;
- - control of the control generator module;
- - control of the sensitivity of the sum, differential and suppression channels;
- - identity control (linearity, steepness of transfer characteristics) of the total and difference channels and their correction to RAM;
- - implementation of the channel for converting the difference between amplitudes and channels into an angular deviation from the PHA () during control.
All control measurements are made at the inoperative range of the locator after the impulse “IMP. COUNTER ", coming from the synchronization section through the PRM interface device.
The interface device PRM (US) receives synchronization signals: REC. PrO (ND ATC, ND RBS), IMP. CONTROL, NORTH, REC. VARU and strobes of the request modes BN, TI, TrS, A, C. In the US, the 14-bit binary azimuth code is converted into an 8-bit binary code.
The complex "KRONA A1" is designed to detect and localize electronic devices for covert information acquisition (EUNPI), transmitting data over a radio channel, using all known masking means, identifying information leakage channels created by acousto-parametric transformations, as well as for solving a wide range of radio monitoring tasks.
Allows to detect passive and semi-active acousto-parametric electromagnetic reflectors (endovibrators) in the frequency range from 30 MHz to 12 GHz.
The complex was developed on the basis of many years of experience in creating such systems and implements the most advanced algorithms for detecting EUNPI. The use of several detection algorithms, each of which is based on individual principles of unmasking the EUNPI, makes it possible to determine with a high degree of certainty the presence of EUNPI having masking means both by modulation algorithms and by transmission methods (EUNPI with digital data transmission channels, with information accumulation, with tunable frequency, etc.).
"KRONA A1" can be used both for express analysis of the presence of radio transmitting EUNPI in a controlled room, and for long-term round-the-clock monitoring of the electromagnetic environment in one or several controlled rooms.
The complex "KRONA A1" has an effective algorithm for isolating a useful informative signal in a difficult noise environment, high measurement accuracy, which provides reliable results of searching for channels of speech information leakage formed due to acousto-parametric transformations.
Peculiarities:
- detection and localization of radio transmitting electronic devices for secret receipt of information using all known masking means;
- detection of passive and semi-active acousto-parametric electromagnetic reflectors (endovibrators);
- analysis of signals from multiple antennas using the built-in antenna switch;
- automatic recognition of digital data transmission channels;
- signal analysis in power networks and low-current lines, detection of infrared emitters;
- control of the frequency range, fixed frequencies, frequency grid;
- performing complex tasks;
- main unit;
- generator block;
- a set of two-component receiving and transmitting antennas with tripods for their installation;
- set of antennas "AShP-1" (4 pcs.);
- converter for research in power networks and low-current lines with a probe for detecting infrared emitters;
- set of cables;
- active acoustic system providing the required sound pressure in a wide frequency range;
- simulator of acoustic-parametric reflector;
- a set of special software;
- PC type laptop with a bag;
- shockproof sealed carrying cases;
- set of documentation.
The designers drew attention to the fact that, in addition to detection, it successfully copes with the task of accounting for artificial earth satellites flying over the territory of the country.
However, the station could not determine the purpose of the satellite. This is how the idea of creating a special complex for recognizing artificial earth satellites was born. Its authors were the designers of NIIDAR and employees of the 45th SNII ".
"In 1974, I was appointed chief designer of the Krona 45Zh6 satellite recognition complex, and in 1976 I was released preliminary design... According to the project, the complex was supposed to consist of a radio engineering part 40Ж6, the basis of which was station 20Ж6, and an optical part 30Ж6.
Such a design would make it possible to obtain a maximum of information about flying satellites - from reflective characteristics in the radio range to photographs in the optical range. The optical part, created at Astrophysics, was supposed to consist of a large telescope and a laser illumination station, which the Leningrad Optical and Mechanical Association (LOMO) had begun to develop.
We took up the radio engineering part with a two-band (decimeter and centimeter) station of a hemispherical view and a computer complex of the 13K6 command and computer station common to all Krona's facilities. The operating range of the radio-technical unit is up to 3,200 km. The radar was supposed to provide guidance for the 30Zh6 laser unit and be highly informative. We were faced with fundamentally new tasks, which should have been solved taking into account the experience of previous developments.
The composition of the deputies - my main support - has changed a lot. V.P. Vasyukov, V.K. Guryanov, A.A. Myltsev, M.A.Arkharov received their own themes. VM Klyushnikov, VM Davidchuk, VK Shur left us untimely. However, the team formed new worthy leaders, and this allowed us to make a number of unconventional decisions in a timely manner.
For the 20Zh6 radar, we have chosen a full-turn HEADLIGHTS of the decimeter range and full-turn parabolic reflector antennas of the centimeter range. E.A. Starostenkov took on the development of the phased array transversals, N.A. Belkin took up the modification of centimeter-range antennas. "Stuffed Your Hand" E.V. Kukushkin, V.A. Rogulev, S.S. Zivdrg and V.S. Gorkin, provided the setting and delivery of the HEADLIGHTS. The design of the antennas of both channels was led by the GG Bubnov Design Bureau, which is closely associated with the Nizhny Novgorod factories - manufacturers of various antennas. The "meander" mode with linear frequency modulation was selected as the type of radiation. This meant that the time of radiation and the time of reception were chosen close to the time of signal propagation to the target and back. A traveling wave lamp "Vesna" and a klystron of the centimeter range "Verba", which had proven themselves on the Danube-ZU radar, were selected as the generator devices. We had to develop high-voltage modulators for "meander" mode for the first time. L.S.Rafalovich and G.V. Geiman made them on the basis of semiconductor elements.
The centimeter part of the 20Zh6 radar consisted of five posts, which formed a phasometric cross for particularly accurate angular measurements in order to aim the laser part of the 30Zh6. For centimeter receivers, V.N. Markov was the first to master low-noise input devices. Computing complex 13K6 based on the "Elbrus-2" computer was created under the leadership of the chief designer EE Melentiev.
When choosing the location of the complex, it was necessary to take into account the special requirements of the optical part. The specialists of NIIDAR and the 45th SNII had to work hard. For future complexes of the KKP system, three locations were selected.
The first complex "Krona" was decided to be deployed in the North Caucasus. This area is distinguished by a particularly transparent atmosphere, which ensures the most efficient operation of the optical channel and allows reliable data to be transmitted to the MCC. The complex deployed here was also supposed to track the Shuttles taking off from Cape Canaveral. It was decided to place the second complex "Krona" in Tajikistan, near the Nurek hydroelectric power station, not far from the location of the "Okno" complex.
Located at the southernmost point, it was supposed to "intercept" American satellites flying in equatorial orbits. The construction of the complex began, but it was stopped due to problems that arose.
It was decided to build the third complex under the designation "Krona-N" in the vicinity of the town of Nakhodka, Primorsky Territory. He was supposed to track satellites that were launched by launch vehicles from the Western test site USA. The construction part of the complex was completed on time, but due to economic difficulties the pace of work slowed down. "
After the decision of the military-industrial complex on construction, the choice of a specific location for the installation of the first complex began. In the Karachay-Cherkess Autonomous Region of the Stavropol Territory, on the outskirts of the village of Zelenchukskaya, the RATAN-600 radio astronomy telescope of the USSR Academy of Sciences was already working.
Back in the early 1960s, one of the Leningrad teams, commissioned by the USSR Academy of Sciences, completed the project of the Zapovednik antenna for ultra-long-range space communications radio complexes. The antenna shield reflectors were to be placed in a circle with a diameter of 2 kilometers, and the antenna itself was to have an area of 6,000 square meters. The project was considered by the commission of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, but was not accepted because of the colossal cost. We decided to confine ourselves to a reduced copy of the Zapovednik antenna for the RATAN radio telescope with a diameter of 600 meters in order to conduct radio astronomy research, which was built in Zelenchukskaya.
It was decided to "tie" the complex of V.P. Sosulnikov to this habitable, explored place.
Learning about the intentions of the Vympel CNPO, Academician Alexander Mikhailovich Prokhorov was indignant, announced that the Krona complex would "kill" his RATAN and raised the alarm. TsNPO "Vympel" stood its ground and disagreements reached the President of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR Anatoly Petrovich Alexandrov. Seeing that the matter was taking a serious turn, the "Vympelovites" turned to the Ministry of Defense and the military-industrial complex. Soon A.P. Aleksandrov sided with the Ministry of Defense, and A.M. Prokhorov delicately explained that the military were right and should not be hindered. They decided to move the "crown" a little and build it near the village of Storozhevaya, about twenty kilometers from Zelenchukskaya.
Considering the most common name for the location, here and further in the book the author uses the phrase “separate radio engineering unit in Zelenchukskaya”. In complex mountainous conditions In the village of Storozhevoy, military builders under the leadership of Colonel-General K.M. Vertelov performed the necessary complex of engineering work, creating all conditions for the dispatched and operating personnel.
Exploration work continued from 1976 to 1978, construction began in 1979. In accordance with the approved project of V.P. Sosulnikov, the complex included a command and computer center, a channel "A" radar, a channel "N" radar and a laser optical locator - LOL. The "A" channel radar was created on the basis of the "Danube-3" decimeter radar, the "N" channel radar - on the basis of the A-35 centimeter RCC system. To practice technical solutions It was decided to deploy the assets of the complex at the 51st site of the Balkhash test site.
By the early 1980s, the United States had significantly increased the number of military spacecraft in orbits with altitudes ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers, and the Soviet leadership decided to accelerate the construction of the Krona and Okno complexes.
In July 1980, a separate radio-technical unit for recognizing space objects was formed in Zelenchukskaya - military unit 20096. Colonel VK Bilykh became its first commander. Nevertheless, due to a lack of manpower and resources, the work progressed slowly. By 1984, the installation of the complex's equipment was completed. In the second half of the 1980s, faced with serious economic difficulties, the leadership of the Soviet Union was forced to reduce a number of military programs. It was decided to confine oneself to only one complex "Krona" and to introduce it as part of the first stage - a command-computing center and a radar station of the decimeter range.
By A.A. Kuriksha.
"In 1987, there was a reorganization of the STC TsNPO" Vympel ", which also affected the design bureau of V. G. Repin. He was forced to resign from his posts. Judging by the subsequent appointments, it was not a question of making room for someone. I can assume that Vladislav Georgievich began to seem too independent, often came into conflict with the leadership of the CNPO when deciding technical issues... There were attempts to transfer SKB-1 to NIIDAR, but the collective protested to the defense department of the Central Committee and to the minister.
As a result, we stayed at the STC. The work on the Krona complex was completely transferred to NIIDAR. Again, my colleagues and I joined the work on the "Krona" at the stage of its docking with the Central Space Commission and testing. In 1992, factory tests of the radar and the command and control center were carried out, in January 1994, state tests were completed. It was not possible to achieve many of the indicators stipulated by the tactical and technical assignment. Due to difficulties with financing, the work on the laser optical locator was not completed. The Krona complex of the first stage of construction was put on alert in November 1999. "
