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The Sardinia Radio Telescope Project

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The Sardinia Radio Telescope Project The Sardinia Radio Telescope Project Luigina Feretti – IRA Visiting Committee, 28–11-07 Largest project of IRA One of the largest projects of INAF Carried out by IRA in collaboration with Oss. Cagliari and Oss. Arcetri Brief history 1978 – IRA (CNR) proposed construction of 3 VLBI Radio Telescopes, 32-m diameter, located in Medicina, Sicily and Sardinia Only two R.T. were funded: Priorities: Medicina + Sicily Medicina: 1983 Noto: 1988 1990 – Revived interest in a R.T. in Sardinia for Space studies (DSN, RS) in addition to Radio Astronomy studies Large dish (> 60m) 1995 – Conclusion of the feasibility study (in collaboration with Arcetri CNR Inst.) Evaluated cost: 43.2 M€ Funding from ASI: 3.8 M€ The project - 64 m diameter - Frequency range : 300 MHz – 100 GHz - Actively controlled surface : 1008 panels 1116 mechanical actuators - Multiple focal positions (P, G, 2 BWG) - Frequency agility (≥ 15 receivers) - Transmitting capability 1996 – Funding request to Research Ministry + contacts with Sardinia Regional Government 1997 – Funding approved from Research Ministry, to IRA – implementing subject: 30.5 M€ 1998 – MoU between CNR/ASI/Sardinia Region + choice of the site (IRA meas. Campaigns) 1999 – Funding from Sardinia Region for foundation and infrastructures: 5.5 M€ S. Basilio: Dry Low atm opacity Low rain 2002 – Call for bids ASI withdrawal Further funding from Res.Ministry: 5.6 M€ Funding from CNR: 1.3 M€ 2003 – Contract signed with MAN Technologie AG (Mainz, Germany) 2004/2005 – IRA transition from CNR to INAF 2006 – INAF funding: 2.5 M€ 2007 – ASI re-entry Funding summary M€ 3.8 ASI - 1995 (includ. feasib study) 30.5 MIUR – 1997 (main project) 5.5 Sardinia Region – 1999 (found. + infrastr.) 5.6 MIUR – 2002 (surface + various) 1.3 CNR – 2002 (surface) 2.5 INAF – 2006 (various) ------------ M€ 49.2 Funding for supplementary scientific equipments will come from ASI and Sardinia Region IRA Personnel involved 11 Staff Scientists : Astronomers and Engineers 11 Technicians 5 Administrative 5 TC people : 3 Engineers 1 Technician 1 Administrative IRA Personnel at Cagliari Observatory 5 Scientists 1 Technician + Personnel of Oss. Cagliari and Oss. Arcetri Project Organization Highlights - Large dish - Large Frequency range (up to 115 GHz) - High efficiency at high frequency - Frequency agility (up to 20 receivers ) - State of the art receivers (multibeam) - Fiber optic connection Science ●VLBI – eVLBI : x2 sensitivity up to 22 GHz x5 at higher freq ● Italian VLBI ● Single dish : suitable for SURVEYS ● Radar ● Space science : Radio science, Deep Space Network NNeeww ggeenneerraattiioonn RReecceeiivveerrss NNeeww ggeenneerraattiioonn RReecceeiivveerrss Commissioning Dual frequency : 310 - 420 MHz Primary focus 1.3 - 1.8 GHz (pulsars) Monofeed : 5.7 – 7.7 GHz BGW focus (VLBI – eVLBI) Multifeed : 19 – 26.5 GHz Gregorian Focus (H2O Megamasers) First light of SRT : spring 2009 Medicina Noto Matera (ASI) The end.
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