Sergei Sobyanin: A Moscow-made microscope contributes to space studies

The world’s first-ever space microscope created by a Technopolis Moscow resident has yielded incredible scientific outcomes, as shared by Sergei Sobyanin on his Max channel.

“Developed at the Proton plant, the SMM-2000S scanning probe microscope was installed on the Nanozond-1 satellite and sent into orbit in June 2023. Both the invention and the flight prototype were created by Moscow engineers and scientists. The microscope can withstand space overloads, consumes little energy and operates without interruptions in outer space,” the Moscow Mayor writes.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Max channel

The data obtained with the microscope have been published in scientific journals and make a significant contribution to space exploration.

For one instance, it turned out that some materials are capable of self-healing when exposed to sunlight. This makes it possible to build spacecraft that will experience less wear and tear in orbit.

It was also discovered that the shell destruction caused by solar wind occurs more slowly than expected before. Accordingly, hulls can be made thinner, with more payload to be taken on board instead.

“Previously, scientists used this microscope to explain why dust accumulated in space. The discovery is of importance for the safety of the entire space industry,” added Sergei Sobyanin.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Max channel

The history of the Proton plant dates back to 1972; in 2023, it became a resident of the Technopolis Moscow special economic zone. In addition to the space microscope, it has created the world’s only probe microscopes that are capable of being used inside nuclear and thermonuclear reactors. These tools help study the behavior of materials under extreme conditions, which is crucial for discovering new safe and efficient energy sources.

Moscow supports projects that contribute to strengthening the nation’s technological sovereignty and the national Space project.