In 2016–2017, dosimetric studies were carried out on the Lomonosov satellite of the radiation environment in a circular orbit with an altitude of about 500 km and an inclination of 98°. The studies were carried out using a DEPRON device, in which two semiconductor detectors were located behind shielding of 0.54 and 0.81 g/cm2 of aluminum. The planetary distribution of the radiation absorbed dose rate at the altitude of the Lomonosov was obtained, which was separated into four characteristic regions: the zone of low and middle latitudes, the zone of the South Atlantic anomaly, the zone of the outer radiation belt of the Earth, and the high-latitude zone of the polar caps. The average daily values of the dose rates measured during the day in each of these areas have been determined. The strongest variations (up to an order of magnitude) are experienced by the daily dose in the outer zone. The existence of the relationship between dose-rate variations in the outer belt and the level of geomagnetic disturbance was confirmed.

The EXPOSE-R2 experiment was carried out by the European Space Agency on board “Zvezda” module of the ISS. The R3DR2 device was one among the EXPOSE-R2 instruments. The semiconductor detectors were sensitive elements of the R3DR2 device that permit to measure radiation doses behind thin shielding. The results of this experiment are freely available now. We used them to analyse variations in the radiation environment at ISS altitude in the Earth’s outer radiation belt. SINP MSU carried out a similar experiment on board The “Lomonosov” satellite. One of its devices DEPRON instrument includes semiconductor detectors. The detectors were similar in design to those in the R3DR2 instrument. The analysis showed the presence of significant enhancements in dose rate. The dose rate of such enhancements reached the level of 28.8 mGy/h according to R3DR2 data and 106.5 mGy/h according to DEPRON data. However, the total dose rate of single enhancements did not exceed 0.8 mGy according to R3DR2 data and 1.6 mGy according to DEPRON data. Comparison with geomagnetic conditions showed that such enhancements are observed mainly during periods of geomagnetic disturbances. The obtained information may be used to estimate the level of radiation impact in the region of the Earth’s outer radiation belt.

The Moscow University Universat-SOCRAT program is aimed at using small satellites to monitor space threats, such as radiation in near-earth space, electromagnetic transients, and potentially dangerous bodies of natural and artificial origins. The first stage of the program implementation began on July 5, 2019 as a result of the successful launch of three Cubesat-type nanosatellites from the Vostochny cosmodrome. These satellites are equipped with instruments for space radiation monitoring, as well as prototypes of devices for observing transient phenomena in the Earth’s atmosphere. In particular, two satellites are equipped with scintillation phosphich detectors that detect charged particles and gamma quanta in the energy release range of 0.1–2 MeV. The geometric factor of these instruments is $${\approx}50$$ cm $${}^{2}$$ sr. One of the Cubesats also carries an optical photometer, consisting of four silicon photomultipliers, which entrance windows are covered with different light filters. The satellites were launched into solar-synchronous orbits with an altitude of $${\approx}550$$ km. This makes favorable conditions for space radiation monitoring in various areas of near-Earth space, including zones of trapped radiation, areas of precipitation, etc. Such an orbit also allows observations of flare phenomena both in the equatorial atmosphere and at high latitudes. The first results of flight tests are discussed.

A system for monitoring the radiation parameters of near-Earth space is described. This system is based on the multi-satellite measurements made on spacecraft Meteor, Electro, Arktika launched into orbits with a wide range of altitudes. The main instrument for space radiation monitoring is spectrometer of electrons and protons SKIF. Such instruments operate in all spacecraft of mentioned above series. The results of observations of different events connected with solar and geomagnetic activity in 2017 and 2021 years are presented and discussed.

This paper presents a catalogue of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) that were detected by the instruments onboard the Lomonosov space observatory. The Lomonosov mission gave the first experience of not only multi-wavelength (from optical to gamma) observations of GRBs but also multi-messenger observations of extreme phenomena and GRBs. The detailed light curves and energy spectra of the detected GRBs are presented. The results of the prompt, early an afterglow optical observations of several GRBs are discussed.

TUS (Tracking Ultraviolet Set-up) is the world's first orbital detector of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). It was launched into orbit on 28th April 2016 as a part of the scientific payload of the Lomonosov satellite. The main aim of the mission was to test the technique of measuring the ultraviolet fluorescence and Cherenkov radiation of extensive air showers generated by primary cosmic rays with energies above ∼100 EeV in the Earth atmosphere from space. During its operation for 1.5 years, TUS registered almost 80,000 events with a few of them satisfying conditions anticipated for extensive air showers (EASs) initiated by UHECRs. Here we discuss an event registered on 3rd October 2016. The event was measured in perfect observation conditions as an ultraviolet track in the nocturnal atmosphere of the Earth, with the kinematics and the light curve similar to those expected from an EAS. A reconstruction of parameters of a primary particle gave the zenith angle around 44̂ but an extreme energy not compatible with the cosmic ray energy spectrum obtained with ground-based experiments. We discuss in details all conditions of registering the event, explain the reconstruction procedure and its limitations and comment on possible sources of the signal, both of anthropogenic and astrophysical origin. We believe this detection represents a significant milestone in the space-based observation of UHECRs because it proves the capability of an orbital telescope to detect light signals with the apparent motion and light shape similar to what are expected from EASs. This is important for the on-going development of the future missions KLYPVE-EUSO and POEMMA, aimed for studying UHECRs from space.

The prospects of composite materials based on polymer matrices with the inclusion of carbon nanotubes, including oriented carbon nanotubes, as both functional and structural materials for nanosatellites are considered. The thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of the composites has been measured. Techniques for producing carbon nanotubes, including vertically oriented nanotubes synthesized on filaments, and coaxial regular nanomesostructures as a functional additive for varying the properties of materials are proposed.

The Ionosphere missions are the part of Ionosond-2025 space project, which main scientific objectives are monitoring of physical processes in the Earth upper atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere, as well as of solar activity. Within the framework of the Ionozond-2025 project, it is planned to launch four spacecraft Ionosphere and one satellite Zond. The Zond satellite is planned to be launched in 2025. The main task of Zond mission is patrol of solar activity. The launch of the first pair of spacecraft is planned in early 2022, the second pair - late 2022 or early 2023. In case of successful implementation of the program of experiments on the Ionosphere satellites, control of the physical parameters of electromagnetic fields and corpuscular radiation in the near-Earth space will be provided, new information will be obtained on the geophysical processes occurring in the magnetosphere, ionosphere and upper atmosphere in their connection with solar activity.

The spatial distribution and dynamics of subrelativistic electron fluxes (from tens to hundreds of keV) were studied in a space experiment onboard the Vernov satellite. A joint analysis of the experimental data from the Vernov and POES satellites was carried out. Maps of the global distribution of electron fluxes with energies from hundreds keV to MeV in the near-Earth space were obtained, as well as their distribution over drift shells, local time, and geomagnetic longitude. It is shown that significant electron fluxes of subrelativistic energies exist in drift shells with a McIlwain parameter of L < 1.5. The measured longitudinal distribution of electron fluxes in these drift shells indicates that the observed fluxes are “tied” to the shells, and the inhomogeneities of the longitudinal distribution are caused by the features of the configuration of the magnetic field in the satellite orbits.

Tracking Ultraviolet Setup (TUS) detector is a detector of ultraviolet (UV) radiation of the atmosphere in the wavelength range of 300–400 nm (near-ultraviolet) with high sensitivity (tens of photons emitted within the solid angle of 10–4 sr in 0.8 μs), which operated for a year and a half aboard the Lomonosov satellite. The TUS telescope had a multipurpose operational program, which made it possible to detect UV flashes from the shortest ones created by extensive air showers generated by cosmic rays to long ones, up to 1 s, created by meteors. Among these various phenomena, most often are flashes from lightning strikes, both directly creating a glow and causing the development of secondary discharges in the atmosphere, in the upper atmosphere and in the ionosphere. These discharges differ in both nature and phenomenology—in particular, they have different durations and luminosities.

The natural and “man-made” space environment generates serious risks for the implementation of space missions, both automatic and human. The main natural and technogenic risk factors that limit or pose a threat to the implementation of space-based automatic and manned space missions in the near-Earth space are cosmic radiation and space debris. In the upper layers of the atmosphere, natural transient electromagnetic phenomena associated with significant energy release are also risk factors for suborbital flights. It is planned to create a system of spacecraft in the proposed “Universat-SOCRAT” project that makes it possible, in a mode close to real-time, to determine the radiation conditions in a significant part of the area of trapped radiation, up to the orbits of global navigation satellite systems or the geostationary orbit. It is also planned to create a space segment of monitoring space debris and electromagnetic transients in the upper atmosphere. Monitoring of space debris will allow all-weather and global tracking of near-Earth objects and, thereby, increase the efficiency of analyzing data and making necessary decisions. In some cases it will improve the accuracy of determining the coordinates of objects for their subsequent cataloging. Successful realization of the project will make it possible to create a space system for monitoring and preventing space hazards for both ongoing and planned space missions for the first time in the world.

TUS (Tracking Ultraviolet Set-up) is the world’s first orbital detector of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). It was launched into orbit on April 28, 2016, as a part of the scientific payload of the Lomonosov satellite. The main aim of the mission was to test the technique of measuring the ultraviolet fluorescence and Cherenkov radiation of extensive air showers generated by primary cosmic rays with energies above ∼ 100 EeV in the nocturnal atmosphere of the Earth from space. During its operation period, TUS registered almost 80,000 events, with a few of them satisfying the criteria expected for UHECR candidate events. Here we discuss the phenomenology and possible interpretations of an outstanding event registered in perfect observational conditions on October 3, 2016.

The paper presents a project of a satellite experiment on the observation of intense flashes (transients) of electromagnetic emission from the Earth's atmosphere in different spectral ranges, as well as the measurement of medium- and long-term dynamics of spatial distribution of fluxes of energetic charged particles in the near-Earth space. To implement the experiment, it is planned to develop a Russian-Azerbaijani small spacecraft capable of carrying a payload of up to 25-30 kg. The satellite is also expected to realize a number of technology experiments, in particular, to study the effect of space flight factors on the matrices of silicon photomultipliers. We also consider the possibility of installing a telescope for photometric observations of binary stars. The requirements to the orbit and spacecraft attitude modes, as well as to its on-board systems, are considered in accordance with the goals and objectives of the experiment. The measurement data which are planned to be obtained during this experiment will subsequently be used for various scientific and applied problems including validation of existing and development of new dynamic models of radiation in the near-Earth space, ensuring the safety of the functioning of spacecraft.

The study of cosmic gamma ray bursts (GRBs) is one of the main goals of the Lomonosov space mission. The main advantage of this mission is simultaneous multiwavelength observations of GRBs covering the optical, X-ray and gamma-ray ranges. The mission payload includes the GRB monitor BDRG, wide-field optical cameras SHOK, and the UFFO instrument. Data are recorded mainly by the event trigger provided by the BDRG instrument, which measures the spectral and temporal properties of the burst in the energy range 10–3000 keV. The BDRG instrument also provides estimation of the source coordinates by comparing the readings of three differently directed detectors with an accuracy of several degrees. Wide-field SHOK optical cameras have a field of view of ~20° × 40°. They fix a set of images with a frequency of about five frames per second prior to the trigger and another set immediately after the trigger. The UFFO instrument includes the UBAT telescope with a coded mask for measurements in hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray ranges and an optical telescope with a slewing mirror (SMT) that can be directed on the GRB source for a time ~1 s for measuring GRB prompt emission in the early stages. In response to an BDRG trigger signal, the real-time data on a detected GRB are transmitted to the Earth via Globalstar network to the Gamma-ray Coordinates Network (GCN) and ground-based observatories. During observations on the Lomonosov satellite, 20 gamma-ray bursts were detected and catalogued. Several gamma-ray bursts were also detected in the Vernov satellite experiment. An example of such an event is given.

This paper presents data on the simultaneous and complementary observations of the gamma-ray burst (GRB) GRB 161017A for optical, X-ray, and gamma wavelengths obtained by the Russian multi-messenger Lomonosov space observatory and supplemented by additional data from the Swift satellite as well as the ground-based MASTER Global Robotic Net and the 10 m Gran Telescopio Canarias. Multifrequency spectra of this very powerful explosion indicate that it originated at a distance of 10 billion light years from Earth. Here, we present the results of the prompt, early, and afterglow optical observations. The light curves and spectra suggest that the prompt optical and high-energy emissions occur in the same region near the GRB source.