January 2025 | Conference Paper
Aggregate Interference Analysis of a LEO Satellite Constellation into the Radio Astronomy Observatory
Cite This Publication
Mustafa Yilmaz, “Aggregate Interference Analysis of a LEO Satellite Constellation into the Radio Astronomy Observatory,” in 2025 United States National Committee of URSI National Radio Science Meeting (USNC-URSI NRSM) Boulder, CO, January 2025.
Mustafa Yilmaz 
Abstract:
One mechanism to provide worldwide internet coverage is to deploy low Earth orbit satellite megaconstellations. Increasing the number of satellites in space increases the risk of harmful interference on radio astronomy observatories (RAOs). In this study, the aggregate interference induced on an isotropic RAO is investigated. Analysis is performed for a single orbit and for multiple orbits with 36 satellites on each orbital path. In all orbital path cases, aggregate interference exceeds the damaging interference threshold of -104.9 dBm (computed using (5) and (6)) which causes operational issues on the RAO.
Keywords: radio astronomy; interference analysis; aggregate interference; low earth orbiting (LEO) satellites; satellite constellations
For technical information concerning this report, contact:
Mustafa Yilmaz
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
(720) 665-4200
myilmaz@ntia.gov
For funding information concerning this report, click this link.
Funding Information
Performing Agency
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
325 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80305
https://ror.org/00mj5bc69
Funding Agency
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Herbert C. Hoover Building
14th and Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230
https://ror.org/032241511
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