Interference Mitigation Strategies For Low-Frequency Radio Astronomy In Space-Based Observatories
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31838/NJAP/07.02.27Keywords:
Radio Frequency Interference, Low-Frequency Astronomy, Space-Based Observatories, Interference Mitigation, Adaptive Filtering, Machine Learning, Lunar OrbitAbstract
The researchers in the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the implementation of spacecraft-oriented design strategies upon the ability of application of advanced signal processing methodologies in minimising interference toward low-frequency telescopes, thereby enhancing their performance. Radio astronomy is commonly noted to be located at the low-frequency end of the spectrum: below 30 MHz. This branch of study helps improve our understanding of the planetary system, the universe, and cosmic radio emissions. Limitations to undertaking low-frequency observations include non-anthropogenic radio interferences, cosmic background noise, shielding, and antenna configurations. In this regard, antenna design plays a crucial role, with deployable dipoles, beamforming arrays, and swarm-based configurations enabling wideband coverage, null steering, and enhanced spatial filtering for RFI suppression. This paper presents new concepts and techniques to help enable undistorted radio astronomy in space telescopes. According to onboard signal processing, the method involves reducing interference through spatial filters, RFI-adapted machine learning classification techniques, time-frequency calculation, and excision procedures. Interference classification via AI, excision, and adaptive filtering methods has been proven effective when applied in simulations taken from recent missions. From the perspective of shielding contoured structures in space, there exist many RFI-reduction measures associated with them on the lunar front and respective aerospatial configurations outside the Earth's prime sphere of influence. Hence, such configurations intrinsically reduce RFI potentials by means of their orbital geometry. Combining some of these methods allows for some cutting-edge astronomical observations. Thus, the need for more advanced radio telescopes has become apparent, which take advantage of many opportunities for sensitive and perceptive observation of space through interferences and low RFI.
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