2 ms·
> Each VLA antenna uses about 18kW just for cooling. That’s likely at minimum partially proportional to the size of each VLA antenna, no? Each VLA antenna is l
by jsjohnst 7y ago
> Each VLA antenna uses about 18kW just for cooling.
That’s likely at minimum partially proportional to the size of each VLA antenna, no? Each VLA antenna is larger than any antenna ever put in space I believe.
> If they're free-flying, it gets a lot harder to know the precise relative positions of the different receivers.
That’s exactly what I thought would be one of the biggest challenges, but wasn’t sure if we’d solved that problem or not yet.
- Rebelgecko 7y agoTrue that 18kW isn't a totally fair comparison. On one hand it's easier to cool because you don't have to worry about the air warming you up. OTOH it's harder because sunlight is way stronger once you get out of the atmosphere.