Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000heds.conf..116a&link_type=abstract
Third Annual HEDS-UP Forum, p. 116
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Astronomical Observatories, Radio Telescopes, Lunar Surface, Lunar Far Side, Astronomical Interferometry, Radio Astronomy
Scientific paper
The Lunar Interferometric Radio Array (LIRA) is a performance driven design, with emphasis on utilizing the unique attributes of the far-side of the moon as a platform for radio astronomy. LIRA consists of three independent Lunar Telescope Units (LTUs), autonomously landed on the moon, and a communications relay satellite orbiting at libration point two (L2). Each LTU deploys a large inflatable spheroid, whose underside has been impregnated with a reflective coating. The spheroid is then gradually hardened into a shell by the suns ultraviolet radiation. LIRA achieves broadband capabilities by operating each LTU independently (tuned to offset frequencies), or provides high resolution observations as a three-element interferometer. The interferometer is functional with as few as two elements, yet will achieve greater resolution with additional elements. Thus, LIRA delivers both redundancy and the possibility for future expansion. Data processing, including interferometric synthesis, occurs at an earth-based ground station, eliminating the need for complex onboard data manipulation.
Abbott James
Pixton S.
Reyhanoglu M.
Roberts C. C.
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