People and Events – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

NSF Facilities Partner to Transform Data Processing for Next-Generation Radio Astronomy

Posted on August 26, 2025August 28, 2025

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the NSF Leadership-Class Computing Facility (NSF LFFC), led by the Texas Advanced Computing Center, to pioneer a transformative data processing system for the next era of radio astronomy.

The partnership is in direct response to the astronomical data volumes anticipated from the upcoming Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) project, which is expected to produce up to 40 petabytes (PB) of data each month—orders of magnitude greater than any of the current NRAO telescopes. . This scale will place NRAO at the forefront of data-intensive scientific exploration not just in astronomy, but across the broader scientific community.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Announces Bipartisan Capital Outlay Funding for Next Generation Learning Center

Posted on July 14, 2025July 16, 2025

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is proud to announce a significant milestone in advancing STEAM education in rural New Mexico. This achievement is the result of dedicated advocacy by Socorro County and Associated Universities, Inc., whose efforts—combined with bipartisan support from state legislators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham—have secured $1.78 million in capital outlay funding for the Next Generation Learning Center at the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array in Socorro County.

NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory Collaborates with RIX Industries to Advance Cryogenic Cooling Technology for the Next Generation Very Large Array

Posted on May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is excited to announce a collaboration with RIX Industries to explore innovative cryogenic cooling solutions for the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA)

NSF NRAO Achieves First Successful Observations with New NSF VLBA Digital Architecture

Posted on May 13, 2025May 13, 2025

The new NSF VLBA New Digital Architecture (VNDA) produced its first fringes and subsequent images in January 2025, demonstrating the successful implementation of next-generation technology that will enhance the NSF VLBA’s scientific capabilities for years to come.

Image Release: the ngVLA Prototype Handover Ceremony

Posted on May 12, 2025May 13, 2025

mtex antenna technology GmbH officially handed over the prototype antenna for the proposed Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) to the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) at a ceremony held at the NSF Very Large Array site on the Plains of San Agustin, New Mexico.

Space Company Taps Coast-to-Coast Radio Telescopes for Moon Mission

Posted on March 6, 2025

Intuitive Machines has been working with the NSF NRAO over the past year to utilize the NSF Very Long Baseline Array (NSF VLBA) to support precise tracking and data downlink of Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander, named Athena, during its mission to the Moon.

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.
	The U.S. 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.