Gravity Frontiers — Science & Technology Foundation

Spectral Tomography of the Solar Surface (ATB-1 Telescope, SAI MSU)

Restoration and commissioning of the Solar Tower Telescope at the Sternberg Astronomical Institute (SAI), Moscow State University, and subsequent research: obtaining spectral tomograms of the solar surface to investigate physical conditions in the near-surface layers of the solar atmosphere, with the aim of studying solar activity. This also includes spectroscopic studies of the atmosphere over Moscow to accurately determine pollution levels.

Technology

Photobioreactor 435nm – a closed-loop life support system

Development of a key element of a closed-loop biological life support system for orbital and lunar stations—a photobioreactor based on microalgae. The technology offers wide potential for commercial applications, ranging from enabling closed-loop life support in space to air purification and carbon dioxide recycling in residential, office, or industrial settings.

Education

Trajectory Astrophysical School

An educational project to promote astronomy and astrophysics among high school students. The school offers a unique opportunity to study astrophysics and space science under the guidance of professional researchers for pupils from 9th to 11th grade. The three-year program includes on-site visits to astronomical laboratories, continuous online mentorship, and the implementation of research projects.

Media & outreach

AstroNight — observations of astronomical events from an altitude of 10,000 meters

Flights to observe rare astronomical phenomena — meteor showers, northern lights, solar eclipse — from an altitude of 10,000 meters. Priceless space memories on board the plane. Among the partners are Roscosmos, AZUR Air, Gazprom Avia, etc.

Fundamental research

Stochastic Gravitational Waves via Pulsar Timing

Conducting research on the stochastic gravitational-wave background using pulsar timing data. Pulsar studies enable the measurement of time delays in the arrival of light signals relative to theoretical predictions, allowing the construction of models to calculate gravitational waves with wavelengths on the order of galactic scales that originated during the inflationary epoch.

Technology

Monkey Job — a polymer technology production facility

Pilot-scale production of plastic, polyurethane, silicone, and similar products of any complexity to support R&D projects within the Foundation, as well as to fulfill commercial manufacturing orders. Development of new polymer casting technologies and materials for space and ground-based applications. The production facility also offers a full range of 3D printing services.

Education

Povuzam.ru — platform for applicants and students

A platform for applicants and students to organize tours, open days, and provide information about universities, admissions, academic programs, and extracurricular activities. The project serves both Russian and international audiences. The monetization model involves payment for services from applicants’ parents, schools, and universities.

Media & outreach

Technical Aesthetics — a magazine about design, technology, and science

Revival of an iconic Soviet-era magazine that integrates design, technology, and science. The project includes a quarterly limited-edition print publication alongside the development of a hybrid online media platform dedicated to discussing trends and projects in technical design, industrial innovation, and the aesthetics of engineering and scientific solutions.

Fundamental research

R&D: Lunar Phased Laser Rangefinder (LPLR)

Implementation of a flagship scientific project at the Sternberg Astronomical Institute of Lomonosov Moscow State University, focused on laser ranging of the Moon to study the stochastic gravitational background. The central objective is the development of a phase-based laser rangefinder at the Kislovodsk Mountain Observatory. While primarily aimed at fundamental research, the project also offers practical applications, including the monitoring of objects in high Earth orbits up to 40,000 km.

Technology

Software for telescope remote control and transient object search

The software is designed for use with optical telescopes of various types, enabling automated detection of variable and moving objects, along with their classification, measurement (astrometry and photometry), and cataloging.

Education

Scholarship program at SAI MSU

A scholarship program providing enhanced stipends for talented undergraduate students in years 1–3, as well as research scholarships for senior students (years 4–6) and graduate students. The scholarships are awarded to students of the Astronomical Department of the Faculty of Physics at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Media & outreach

Science Label — a production label for scientific speakers

Russia's first production label that provides a full cycle of media production and speaker promotion in the field of scientific and technological popularization. The goal is to create brands for speakers, manage their public activities, and promote lectures, seminars, books, and video content. The label provides speakers with access to resources for professional growth, media promotion, and monetization of their knowledge.

Fundamental research

Investigation of wormhole dynamics

The central and most significant task of this project is the precision calculation of the spectrum and profile of gravitational waves emitted during the collapse of theoretical wormholes. This problem is solved using complex numerical modeling methods based on high-performance computing clusters using graphics accelerators (GPUs) and the GRTeclyn project software infrastructure. A fundamental feature of our problem statement is the setting of initial conditions without the involvement of exotic matter. In such conditions, a wormhole turns out to be unstable by definition, which inevitably initiates its gravitational collapse. The simulation describes in detail the highly dynamic evolution of pure space-time during this collapse, which determines the physical characteristics of the potential outgoing radiation.

Technology

Ion propulsion with controlled thrust vector

Development, testing, and deployment of advanced electric propulsion thrusters for spacecraft. The focus is on electric thrusters with thrust vector control (TVC), which enable high-precision maneuvering, orbit maintenance, and interorbital transfers. The technology makes it possible to create engines for both small and large spacecraft.

Education

Campus — super app for students

A digital ecosystem and super app for students, featuring class schedules, educational courses, job placement opportunities from technology companies, integration with student and faculty accounts, ratings and practical guidance (“life hacks”), as well as comprehensive analytics on various cross-sections among students and universities.

Media & outreach

Scientific and educational project "Gutenberg's Smoking Room"

A multi-format educational project on a non-profit basis, operating since 2014. The goal is to popularize science and culture with a special focus on educating young people. Format: organizing lectures by leading scientists throughout Russia, recording video podcasts and creating various scientific media content.

Technology

Nebula Cover

Nebula Cover is a paint and coatings manufacturing facility. Coating production for products of any complexity to support R&D projects within the Foundation, as well as to fulfill commercial manufacturing orders. Development of new coating technologies and materials for space and ground-based applications.

Media & outreach

Astroverts — Scientific Travel Club

Scientific travel Club: astronomical observations in different parts of the World, lectures, development of a network of private observatories. The company also maintains private telescopes in Arkhyz and is engaged in scientific observations to search for variable objects (supernovae, asteroids, comets, etc.). In 2025, it is planned to re-equip the housing stock to expand tourist groups.

Technology

Watts Battery — smart city power supply

A smart storage device turns buildings into independent power plants. Energy Intelligence: An independent computing node with built-in AI that analyzes, predicts and optimizes energy consumption in real time. These modules are able to connect to a network, learn from data, instantly respond to changes in the power grid and redistribute energy where it is needed.

Media & outreach

Open Science is a platform for involving society in scientific projects

A public initiative of the Guild that unites all scientific popularization and educational projects with the task of attracting students to scientific projects as volunteers, patrons, investors, engineers or researchers. We help scientists find people who are willing to help with research, and anyone interested in science can apply their skills and resources to real scientific projects.

Technology

ORTIS (Orbital Relay & Telemetry Integrated System)

Creating an ecosystem of orbital telematics. Creation of new types of ground-based devices/terminals for various types of monitoring, use of existing satellite groupings and creation of a request for new groupings, standardization and unification of telematics services via satellite communication channels, integration with related areas (remote sensing, AI, distributed computing systems and software).

Media & outreach

OnlyGames.ru — game ecosystem

A comprehensive gaming ecosystem comprising an online platform for players, game developers, and esports professionals; an automated tournament infrastructure; a digital game publishing unit; and more than 20 integrated microservices. The project is designed to unify gaming communities within a single digital environment, complemented by offline activities such as conferences, hackathons, gaming festivals, and related events.

Media & outreach

PREPRINT is a modern arXiv interface with social network features.

PREPRINT's mission is to make cutting—edge science accessible and create a vibrant community around the global arXiv database. PREPRINT is a modern frontend fork of the arXiv. We replaced the design from the 90s with an aesthetic interface and added social features. The database is updated automatically, and reading articles turns into an exciting process.: The feed is like on Instagram: scroll through the latest research in the usual format. This lowers the entry threshold and draws you into the world of science. Direct discussions: Communicate with authors and colleagues in the comments right under the article. Likes and ratings: create the top of the best works instead of blindly searching through the archive. Personal Library: Save interesting materials in one click.

Media & outreach

Publishing house of popular science books

The project aims to publish books in collaboration with the leading publishers Alpina Nonfiction and Eksmo. Support of books aimed at popularization of science, educational materials in the field of astronomy and astrophysics, as well as science fiction. The books are aimed at popularizing knowledge about space among a wide audience, including students, entrepreneurs, and science and technology enthusiasts.

Media & outreach

Hyperion Video Production Center

A studio with a focus on using advanced virtual, augmented and augmented reality technologies based on the Unreal Engine game engine. It allows you to create any location, apply dynamic effects (change of day and night, seasons, weather conditions, lighting), program special effects with reference to the actors.