Introduction / mission

The Radio Science Lab focusses on the design of next generation radio telescopes. Realizing the means through which radio astronomers can unravel the Universe’s mysteries, while at the same time establishing links to other areas of society that can benefit from our technological development.

Organisational profile

In the Radio Science lab we focus on techniques for designing the next generation of radio telescopes. Research is performed on large antenna arrays and reflector (dish) antennas, timing and navigation using pulsar observations, interference mitigation techniques, and developing a low-frequency radio telescope in space and on the Moon, among other things.

The lab focusses on all aspects of radio science instruments but has a special focus on very low frequencies. At low frequencies (below 30 MHz) the Universe has never been properly mapped. However, this could provide accurate information about the young Universe, when stars, galaxies and planets were formed. With earth-based radio telescopes the unfavourable propagation characteristics of the earth’s atmosphere is a limiting factor, which is one of the fields of study. Moreover, man-made radio noise can jam the highly sensitive receivers of the telescope such that interference mitigation measures are needed or the instruments have to go into space. This can be done with a flying instrument, called OLFAR, the Orbiting Low Frequency Antennas for Radio astronomy, or by antennas on the Moon, e.g. as planned for the Astronomical Lunar Observatory (ALO). Currently, this space-based research concentrates on localization aspects, data communication, antenna system and data processing.