Crimean Laser Observatory within NAS Main Astronomical Observatory was organized on May 26, 1999 (in 1947 the scientific expedition of radio physical research started its operation in the Crimea).
Its basic lines of research are:
- positional astronomy, geo- and planet dynamics;
- studies in the area of laser ranging of artificial satellites, with a view to solving problems of space geodynamics;
- development and up-dating of techniques and equipment for laser ranging;
- participation in the integrated monitoring of the Crimea (SLR, GPS, VLBI).
Major achievements of Crimean Laser Observatory in laser ranging are:
- the first in the Soviet Union experiments on laser ranging of the Moon surface (1963);
- a cycle (7–8 years) of laser-ranging measurements of distances to retro-reflectors on the Moon;
- forming a network of five third-generation ‘Crim’ laser-ranging stations to be used in programs of geodynamic studies;
- a 20-year cycle of regular laser-ranging observations of geodynamic artificial satellites.
Antenna a centimetric range, diameter 32 m. 1950 - 60th years
Telescope TPL-1, diameter 1 m., for the "Crimea" laser stations
Building of the "Katzively-1893" laser ranging complex