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The RT-64 radio telescopes in Russia, each with a massive 64-meter dish, are among the largest radio telescopes in the world. Built during the Soviet era, these engineering marvels played significant roles in radio astronomy, satellite tracking, and space exploration. Two of these telescopes, located in Kalyazin and Bear Lakes.
The Kalyazin RT-64 is situated near the town of Kalyazin in Tver Oblast. Completed in the 1980s, it stands 178 meters tall and was designed to support space research and satellite communication. Its applications included studying pulsars, quasars, and cosmic phenomena, as well as tracking spacecraft and supporting international missions like the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars program.
Set in a remote location to minimize interference, the Kalyazin RT-64's colossal dish is a striking feature against the rural landscape. Despite its age, it continues to contribute to modern scientific efforts, highlighting its durability and advanced design for its time.
The Bear Lakes RT-64 is located at the Bear Lakes Satellite Communications Center in Shchyolkovo, near Moscow. Like its counterpart, it was built to support space and scientific research, including Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations. These efforts have helped advance astronomy and astrometry, enabling precise measurements of celestial objects and cosmic phenomena.
In recent years, upgrades to the Bear Lakes RT-64 have been proposed to enhance its capabilities and integrate it more deeply into international research networks. This telescope reflects the USSR's focus on pushing the boundaries of space science and communication technologies.
