Ukraine Takes Bold Action: Dismantling Russian Military’s Giant Radio Telescope

A historic radio telescope in Crimea was recently destroyed in a drone attack. The Ukrainian defense forces targeted the RT-70 antenna, towering at 230 feet, to stop Russian forces from using it in military operations. Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the telescope has been under their control. Experts say the Russians upgraded the structure for military communications, enhancing capabilities significantly.

The RT-70 was part of the GLONASS satellite navigation system, Russia’s answer to the U.S. GPS. This telescope improved GLONASS’s accuracy by about 30%, making it crucial for military and civilian purposes alike.

Footage surfaced in late August showing a drone colliding with the telescope. The target was a vital radio receiver, produced in 2011, which will be tough for Russia to replace, indicating a long downtime for repairs.

The RT-70 was one of three telescopes built during the Cold War, supporting Soviet space missions to Venus and various attempts to communicate with extraterrestrial life. Notably, this telescope was involved in sending messages to potential planets outside our solar system. Some of these messages may not reach their destinations for years—one aiming for Gliese 581 is expected to arrive by 2029.

Beyond military significance, the telescope contributed to astronomical research. It detected signals from distant galaxies and supported European missions like Mars Express and Rosetta.

Following Russia’s annexation, this telescope, alongside others, became a part of military ambitions. Crimea, once famous for its beaches and clear skies, was also a hub for scientific research.

However, Ukraine’s scientific community has faced severe setbacks due to the ongoing conflict. The Giant Ukrainian Radio Telescope in Kharkiv suffered considerable damage in 2022, with reports of stolen instruments. A UNESCO report from 2024 estimates the war has caused $1.26 billion in damage to Ukraine’s scientific infrastructure.

This attack on the RT-70 telescope highlights the collision of military and scientific pursuits in this conflict. As history shows, such sites have been vital for knowledge and exploration. The loss of the RT-70 resonates far beyond the immediate impact—it signals a broader struggle for scientific freedom amidst turmoil.

For further insights, you can explore the UNESCO report or read about the impact on astronomy in Ukraine from Orbital Today.

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