This preprint was accepted November 8, 2005
ABSTRACT: We consider the solutions of the wave equation (waves) initiated by the infinitely far sources (controls) and study the $L_2$ -completeness of the reachable sets consisting of such waves. This problem is a natural analog of the control problem for a bounded domain where the completeness (local approximate controllability) in the subdomains filled with waves generated by boundary controls occurs. We show that, in contrast to the latter case, the reachable sets formed by the waves incoming from infinity, aren't complete in the filled subdomains and describe the corresponding defect. Then, extending the class of controls on a set of special polynomials, we gain the completeness. A transform defined by jumps appearing in result of projecting functions on the reachable sets is introduced. Its relation to the Radon transform is clarified.[Full text: (.ps.gz)]