# World Space Observatory

> proposed Russian ultraviolet space telescope

**Wikidata**: [Q2569316](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2569316)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spektr-UV)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/world-space-observatory

## Summary
The World Space Observatory (WSO-UV), also known as Spektr-UV, is a proposed Russian ultraviolet space telescope designed to observe distant objects in outer space. It is an international scientific project operated by NPO Lavochkin with contributions from Russia, Spain, Germany, and Ukraine.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Space telescope (instrument for observing distant space objects)
- **Launch Date:** Scheduled for 2025
- **Launch Vehicle:** Angara-A5 (Russian heavy-lift launch vehicle)
- **Launch Site:** Vostochny Cosmodrome
- **Mass:** 2,840 kilograms
- **Power Consumption:** 1,000 watts
- **Orbital Inclination:** 51.4 degrees
- **Operator:** NPO Lavochkin
- **Preceded By:** Spektr-RG (Russian–German X-ray observatory)
- **Primary Aliases:** WSO-UV, Spektr-UV, World Space Observatory-Ultraviolet

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary mission of the World Space Observatory?
A: The World Space Observatory is designed as an ultraviolet-spectrum telescope to observe distant celestial objects from outer space. It serves as a follow-up mission to the Spektr-RG X-ray observatory.

### Q: Which countries are participating in the WSO-UV project?
A: The project is a collaborative effort involving Russia, Spain, Germany, and Ukraine. The Russian aerospace company NPO Lavochkin is the primary operator of the observatory.

### Q: How will the World Space Observatory be launched into orbit?
A: The telescope is planned to launch in 2025 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. It will be carried by an Angara-A5 heavy-lift launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
The World Space Observatory (WSO-UV) represents a major international effort to advance ultraviolet astronomy. As a heavy-class observatory with a mass of 2,840 kg, it is designed to provide high-resolution observations of distant space objects that are difficult to study from Earth's atmosphere. The project is significant for its role in the "Spektr" series of Russian space observatories, following the Spektr-RG mission. 

The mission also highlights the integration of Russia's modern space infrastructure, utilizing the Vostochny Cosmodrome and the Angara-A5 heavy-lift rocket. By involving partners from Spain, Germany, and Ukraine, the WSO-UV serves as a platform for international scientific cooperation, aiming to expand the global understanding of the universe through dedicated ultraviolet spectroscopy and imaging.

## Notable For
- **International Partnership:** Features technical and scientific collaboration between Russia, Spain, Germany, and Ukraine.
- **Heavy-Lift Payload:** One of the primary scientific missions designated for the Angara-A5 heavy-lift launch vehicle.
- **Ultraviolet Specialization:** Specifically engineered for ultraviolet observations, filling a critical niche in space-based astronomy.
- **Successor Mission:** Directly follows the Spektr-RG mission in the sequence of Russian-led space observatories.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
The World Space Observatory, often referred to by its Russian name Spektr-UV, is a large-scale space instrument with a mass of 2,840 kg. The telescope is designed to operate with a power consumption of 1,000 watts. Its planned orbital trajectory includes an inclination of 51.4 degrees.

### Mission Development and Operation
The project is managed and operated by NPO Lavochkin. It is categorized as a space telescope, which is defined as an instrument located in outer space for the purpose of observing distant objects. The WSO-UV is the successor to the Spektr-RG, a joint Russian-German X-ray observatory.

### Launch and Infrastructure
The mission is currently scheduled for a 2025 launch. The launch will take place at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a major Russian spaceport. The delivery of the observatory into orbit will be performed by the Angara-A5, a heavy-lift launch vehicle.

### International and Academic Context
The WSO-UV project maintains an official web presence through the Institute of Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (INASAN). The project is documented across multiple languages, including Russian, English, Spanish, German, French, and Ukrainian. It is also a subject of interest for WikiProject Ukraine and is cataloged under Freebase ID /m/04y9ls3.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013