Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
The SARAO RFI team ensures the continued protection of radio astronomy assets from radio frequency interference. The key areas of expertise are the design of EMI-compliant devices, RFI compliance testing and qualification of telescope components, the design, deployment and operation of RFI monitoring infrastructures, the management of RFI at telescope sites, and spectrum management. The RFI team interacts closely with other engineering teams where domain knowledge transfer is required. The team are playing a critical role in the SKA-mid project, particularly in the RFI qualification of the dish structure and management of the RFI consequences of on-site construction activities.
SARAO, working with national administrations and other key international stakeholders within the global radio astronomy community, drove the development of a successful African Telecommunications Union proposal to consider the impact of mega-constellations on astronomy at the International Telecommunications Union World Radio Conference in 2027.
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