The Sardinia Radio TelescopeProject

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: 1983Noto: 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:DryLow atm opacityLow 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 involved11 Staff Scientists : Astronomers and Engineers11 Technicians 5 Administrative 5 TC people : 3 Engineers 1 Technician 1 Administrative

IRA Personnel at Cagliari Observatory

5 Scientists1 Technician

+ Personnel of Oss. Cagliari and Oss. Arcetri

Project Organization

- 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

Highlights

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

New generation ReceiversNew generation Receivers

New generation ReceiversNew generation Receivers

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

MedicinaNoto

Matera (ASI)

The end