A space-based decametric wavelength radio telescope concept

This paper reports a design study for a space-based decametric wavelength telescope. While not a new concept, this design study focused on many of the operational aspects that would be required for an actual mission. This design optimized the number of spacecraft to insure good visibility of approx....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Experimental astronomy 2018-11, Vol.46 (2), p.241-284
Main Authors: Belov, K., Branch, A., Broschart, S., Castillo-Rogez, J., Chien, S., Clare, L., Dengler, R., Gao, J., Garza, D., Hegedus, A., Hernandez, S., Herzig, S., Imken, T., Kim, H., Mandutianu, S., Romero-Wolf, A., Schaffer, S., Troesch, M., Wyatt, E. J., Lazio, J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Computer Science
Design
Design optimization
Image reconstruction
Lunar orbits
Observations and Techniques
Original Article
Physics
Physics and Astronomy
Power consumption
Radio astronomy
Radio galaxies
Radio interference
Radio telescopes
Space missions
Spacecraft
Statistics for Engineering
Viability
Visibility
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Summary:This paper reports a design study for a space-based decametric wavelength telescope. While not a new concept, this design study focused on many of the operational aspects that would be required for an actual mission. This design optimized the number of spacecraft to insure good visibility of approx. 80% of the radio galaxies– the primary science target for the mission. A 5,000 km lunar orbit was selected to guarantee minimal gravitational perturbations from Earth and lower radio interference. Optimal schemes for data downlink, spacecraft ranging, and power consumption were identified. An optimal mission duration of 1 year was chosen based on science goals, payload complexity, and other factors. Finally, preliminary simulations showing image reconstruction were conducted to confirm viability of the mission. This work is intended to show the viability and science benefits of conducting multi-spacecraft networked radio astronomy missions in the next few years.
ISSN:0922-6435
1572-9508
DOI:10.1007/s10686-018-9601-6