2 ms·
First, the size of radio telescope matters. It doesn't matter if have lots of receivers if they aren't sensitive enough to receive the signal. Large telescopes
by ianburrell 2y ago
First, the size of radio telescope matters. It doesn't matter if have lots of receivers if they aren't sensitive enough to receive the signal. Large telescopes are too big to put in space, they need a lot of structure and it is all required to reduce vibrations.
Second, interferometry is easier on the ground where the telescope is stable and not moving relatively. Doing with satellites is possible but requires equipment for exact positioning. It isn't something that can be added to Starink satellite.
Third, Starlink satellites are bad place to put radio receiver because they are receiving and sending signals that could bleed over. This is reverse of problem in the article.
It would be cool to have a network of radio telescopes in orbit but they would have to be planned and launched separately. And they would not replace large ones which would have to go on the Moon.