Optical thomograph of the Universe

The concept of astrometric supervision of the Universe on the basis of usin g the extralong base for angular measurements realized by launching 3 - 4 s pacecrafts in different directions from the Earth upto the distance of 500 AU is proposed. Under various variants of scientific and service payload of spacecrafts it will allow to execute direct measurement of distances upto stars at the distance of 1 divided by 10 light-years. Within this distance ours and Domestic Group galaxies, including Andromeda Nebula are located. I n perspective variants based on multiaperture optical systems the direct me asurement at the distances upto boundary objects of the Universe, that is, quasars located on distance upto 10 billion light-years may be executed. Th e problems of sensor, and system of communication design also the concept o f a spacecraft are considered. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.