Central Development Lab – Page 2 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

NRAO and Optisys Partner Up to Produce 3D Devices for Radio Astronomy

Posted on February 16, 2022February 16, 2022

Recent advancements in 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) for metallic structures make it possible to print all-metal electromagnetic devices—like antennas and waveguides—on demand. A new partnership between the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Optisys, LLC, headquartered in West Valley City, Utah, will explore the potential for leveraging this technology for radio astronomy applications.

NRAO Researcher Receives Prestigious Engineering Award

Posted on February 2, 2022September 13, 2022

An NRAO researcher is receiving an engineering award for an innovative development that is improving radio telescope performance and also is benefitting numerous other fields.

Patricio Escarate works on an ALMA front end housing for receivers

ALMA’s Most Scientifically Productive Receiver Will Soon See Further than Ever Before

Posted on December 17, 2021September 13, 2022

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the board of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have approved a multi-million dollar upgrade project for the Observatory’s 1.3mm (Band 6) receivers through the North American ALMA Development Program. The receivers—originally built, and to be upgraded, by the Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)—are the most scientifically productive in ALMA’s lineup.

Artist's impression of a 1mm microchip in comparison to the head of a 19 gauge needle

NSF Partnerships for Innovation Funding to Make NRAO Tech Accessible to New Wireless Markets and High-Frequency Applications

Posted on December 9, 2021September 13, 2022

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Central Development Laboratory (CDL) $250,000 in Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) funding to support the proof-of-concept development of high-performance reflectionless radio frequency filters at 40 GHz and above for high-frequency applications, including wireless and defense.

NRAO Joins Space Mission to the Far Side of the Moon to Explore the Early Universe

Posted on September 22, 2020September 13, 2022

NRAO has joined DAPPER: a new NASA space mission to the far side of the Moon to investigate when the first stars began to form in the early universe.

NRAO’s Central Development Laboratory: Making the Invisible Visible

Posted on April 11, 2020September 13, 2022

The Central Development Laboratory is often hidden behind the headlines of scientific discovery, but it’s research and development creates the tools radio astronomers use every day.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. 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.
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