The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory has announced a significant collaboration with the Bavarian State Government to construct a cutting-edge radio telescope atop Germany’s highest mountain. This radio telescope will use the design of the proposed NSF NRAO’s Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
Recent News
NSF VLA Contributes Crucial Puzzle Piece to ‘Peculiar’ High Energy Transient
High-energy transient signals are most often determined to be gamma-ray burst events, but the recently-launched Einstein Probe has expanded astronomers’ ability to quickly respond to similar signals occurring at X-ray wavelengths. Now, a multi-wavelength study of EP240408a concludes that while many of the signal’s characteristics might lead to the conclusion that it is a gamma-ray burst, the non-detection at radio wavelengths precludes that possibility.
Students Contribute to New Understanding of ‘Twinkling’ Pulsars
The flexible observing setup of the Green Bank Observatory’s 20-meter telescope enabled frequent, long-duration observations of eight pulsars, spanning two and a half years for a student-driven study carried out by students in the Pulsar Science Collaboratory program.
Space Company Taps Coast-to-Coast Radio Telescopes for Moon Mission
Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission Nova-C lunar lander, Athena, in the company’s Lunar Production and Operations Center. Credit: Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines partners with NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory, using 10 iconic U.S. telescopes from Hawaii to Virgin Islands to guide Nova-C lunar lander’s mission
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is supporting Intuitive Machines’ second lunar mission, IM-2, which landed on the surface of the Moon, Thursday, March 6th.
Intuitive Machines has been working with the NSF NRAO over the past year to utilize the NSF Very Long Baseline Array (NSF VLBA) to support precise tracking and data downlink of Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander, named Athena, during its mission to the Moon.
“The NRAO adds significant capability to Intuitive Machines’ Lunar Data Network,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus. “Using multiple, strategically located, world-class radio telescopes and ground stations enables our mission controllers to precisely track Athena through near-continuous, data-driven communications.”
The NSF NRAO will provide Intuitive Machines with access to its NSF VLBA network of radio telescopes, in ten locations across the United States, to receive data transmitted by the Nova-C lander during its journey to the Moon, while in lunar orbit, and after landing. The NSF GBT, the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, will also collect data. This mission support will improve the accuracy of the lander’s orbit determination through real-time or near-real-time position data.
“NRAO is excited to support Intuitive Machines in their second groundbreaking lunar mission,” said NSF NRAO assistant director Joe McMullin, who managed this project. “Our telescopes and expertise in radio astronomy will contribute to this mission’s success by providing accurate positional data and reliable communication links. NRAO recognizes the value in supporting commercial partnerships to advance space exploration and scientific discovery.”
About NRAO
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc. NRAO designs, builds, and operates cutting-edge radio telescopes for use by scientists around the world.
This news article was originally published on the NRAO website on March 6, 2025.
Recent News
Next-Generation Very Large Array Antenna Design to be Used By German Astronomers
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory has announced a significant collaboration with the Bavarian State Government to construct a cutting-edge radio telescope atop Germany’s highest mountain. This radio telescope will use the design of the proposed NSF NRAO’s Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
NSF VLA Contributes Crucial Puzzle Piece to ‘Peculiar’ High Energy Transient
High-energy transient signals are most often determined to be gamma-ray burst events, but the recently-launched Einstein Probe has expanded astronomers’ ability to quickly respond to similar signals occurring at X-ray wavelengths. Now, a multi-wavelength study of EP240408a concludes that while many of the signal’s characteristics might lead to the conclusion that it is a gamma-ray burst, the non-detection at radio wavelengths precludes that possibility.
Students Contribute to New Understanding of ‘Twinkling’ Pulsars
The flexible observing setup of the Green Bank Observatory’s 20-meter telescope enabled frequent, long-duration observations of eight pulsars, spanning two and a half years for a student-driven study carried out by students in the Pulsar Science Collaboratory program.