Radio Telescopes in Orbit

-- Martin | December 12, 2019

Question:

Hello,

Theoretically, if you wanted to put a satellite with an antenna in space for radio astronomy, how large would the antenna have to be to get usable data. Also would you be restricted to using a parabolic antenna? If not could you use a modified yagi antenna design in order to save on space?

-- Martin

Answer:

In fact, we have already put a number of radio telescopes into space designed to do a wide array of scientific studies. One such observatory is NASA’s Space Very Long Baseline Interferometry network, which performs very high spatial resolution radio wavelength measurements using a number of orbiting radio telescopes. Two other radio telescopes in orbit, HALCA and Spektr-R, have performed a variety of radio astronomical measurements to-date.

-- Jeff Mangum

Facebook

Twitter

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.