Krona space object recognition station

Krona is a radio telescope station near Zelenchukskaya equipped with five rotating parabolic antennas and a large UHF antenna used for space surveillance. The different antennas work together to detect and track artificial satellites and other objects in orbit.

Planning for the facility started in the 1970s, and construction began in 1984. After testing phases starting in 1994, the station reached full operational status in 1999.

The station's name means 'crown' and refers to how its UHF antenna looks like the upper branches of a tree. You can see this distinctive shape clearly from several vantage points around the facility.

The station sits at 2200 meters elevation between Chapal mountain and a radar installation in an area with minimal light pollution. This geographic position provides ideal conditions for precise space observations.

The facility includes a laser optical locator added in 2005 that greatly improved the ability to detect and identify satellites. This system complements the radio telescopes and significantly expanded monitoring capabilities.

Location: Zelenchukskaya

Location: Karachay-Cherkessia

Official opening: 1999

Elevation above the sea: 2,200 m

Part of: Main Space Intelligence Centre

GPS coordinates: 43.71670,41.22980

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01