Large Satellite Constellations and Their Potential Impact on VGOS Operations

TL;DR

This paper assesses how large LEO satellite constellations could impact VGOS radio telescopes, focusing on sky visibility, receiver non-linearity risks, and increased received power in relevant frequency bands.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of three mega-constellations and evaluates their potential effects on two specific VGOS telescopes, highlighting operational challenges.

Findings

Potential increase in sky noise and interference for VGOS telescopes.

Risks of receiver non-linear behavior due to satellite signals.

Quantitative estimates of additional power received by telescopes.

Abstract

Large LEO satellite constellations (or so-called Mega-constellations) will significantly change the view of the sky in some radio frequency bands. For VGOS telescopes it is important to understand the potential impact these constellations will have in their operations, what is the risk of its receivers going into non-linear behaviour and how much additional power would a telescope receive if observing in the same frequencies where satellites are transmitting. This work describes three of these new constellations (as they would look fully deployed) and summarizes the results of a particular study considering two VGOS telescopes (Onsala and Wettzell).