Space Radio Astronomy in the next 1000001 (binary) years

TL;DR

This paper reviews the history and future prospects of space radio astronomy, highlighting past achievements like space-borne CMB observatories and VLBI missions, and discussing upcoming projects and ideas for the next million years.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of past successes and explores future directions and projects in space radio astronomy over the next million years.

Findings

Successful space-borne CMB observatories established.

Multiple orbital VLBI missions conducted.

Future projects aim to expand space-based radio observations.

Abstract

Radio astronomy and active exploration of space are peers: both began by efforts of enthusiasts in the 1930s and got a major technological boost in the 1940s-50s. Thus, for the sake of a brief review at this very special conference, it is fair to estimate the present age of these human endeavours as 1000001 (binary) years. These years saw a lot of challenging and fruitful concerted efforts by radio astronomers and space explorers. Among the high points one can mention several highly successful space-borne CMB observatories, three orbital VLBI missions, the first examples of radio observations at spectral windows hitherto closed for Earth-based observers and many yet to be implemented initiatives which are at various stages of their paths toward launch-pads of all major world space agencies. In this review I will give a bird-eye picture of the past achievements of space-oriented radio astronomy and zoom into several projects and ideas that will further push the presence of radio astronomy into the space agenda of mankind over the next 1000001 (binary) years. In tune with the main themes of this conference, an emphasis will be made on space frontiers of VLBI and the SKA.