Next in turn stage of mounting of the first Russian infra-red telescope AZT-33IK (produced in LOMO PLC) in Sayanskaya observatory was successfully finished.
   Unique device was passed to customer in July 2003. The telescope is intended for discovering and accompanying of objects in space and path observation for them. The device allows identifying even faint on the background of starring sky objects and defining their origin. In particular, the telescope allows discovering so called "space garbage", having became a serious problem in the latest years. Diameter of the main mirror of AZT-33IK is 1,5 meter. There are only several analogues of this system in the world.
   From summer 2003 the process of mounting of the device occurred in the observatory. In the last final stage the optical system - main and second mirrors - was set. Also geometrical alignment of optical details, installation of control systems, checking of operating of the main junctions of the telescope - drivers, focusing unit, gears of opening of lids of the main mirror - were made. Final balancing of AZT-33IK with optical details and frames was conducted too. Before all the tests were conducted with weight and dimensional simulators.
   By means of new telescope scientists of the Russian Academy of science have already conducted first testing observations and were satisfied by quality of optical system.
   At present time works over adjusting of control systems and receiving apparatus are continuing in the observatory. After this AZT-33IK will operate in the established regime.