The Space Telescope for Ultraviolet Astronomy WSO–UV

Abstract

The World Space Observatory UltraViolet (WSO-UV) project is an international space observatory designed for observations in the ultraviolet domain where some of the most important astrophysical processes can be efficiently studied with unprecedented sensitivity. WSO-UV is a multipurpose observatory, made by a 170cm aperture telescope, capable of high-resolution spectroscopy, long-slit low-resolution spectroscopy, and deep UV and optical imaging. With a nominal mission life time of 5years, and a planned extension to 10years, from a geosynchronous orbit with an inclination of 51.8^∘, WSO-UV will provide observations of exceptional importance for the study of many astrophysical problems. WSO-UV is implemented in the framework of a collaboration between Russia (chair), China, Germany, Spain, and Ukraine. This article is an updated account of the status of the project and its implementation in Spain.