National Space Facilities Control and Test Center, Space control facility and observatory in Crimea
The National Space Facilities Control and Test Center is a ground station and observatory in Crimea that operates radio telescopes and monitoring systems to track satellites and space missions. The facility features a network of telescopes and instruments for astronomical observation and processing data from Earth observation satellites.
The facility was founded in 1960 and grew into a key installation for monitoring Soviet space missions with advanced radio complexes. After 2014, operators relocated primary control operations to mainland Ukraine while scientific work continued at multiple locations.
The facility earned its reputation through decades of work supporting both Soviet and post-Soviet space programs, with local specialists becoming known for their expertise in satellite communications and deep space tracking.
Visitors should be aware that the facility sits in a sensitive geopolitical area and access may be restricted. It is wise to check current conditions before planning a visit and obtain any necessary permissions beforehand.
The facility played a crucial role in communicating with Soviet Venera missions that explored Venus surfaces in the 1960s, providing groundbreaking data from the planet. This achievement made the center one of the most important communication hubs of early Soviet space exploration.
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