Special Projects

The Special Projects Division is home to funded projects that push the boundaries of what is currently available to NRAO in spectrum monitoring and RFI mitigation. Currently active projects include Operational Data Sharing (ODS), the Advanced Spectrum Monitor (ASM-2), now in its second generation, the Dynamic Radio Interference Finding Tool (DRIFT), and a 7 GHz Band Study. The first three projects are funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF), and the band study is funded by the NTIA (through the US NSF).

Advanced Spectrum Monitor (ASM-2)

 The ASM-2 is a 1-50 GHz spectrum monitoring device with direction finding capabilities. Click here to see the current status and capabilities of the ASM-2.

Dynamic Radio Interference Finding Tool (DRIFT)

 DRIFT is a web-based software package that allows internal and external users to access Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) scans from NRAO telescopes and spectrum monitors located at all NRAO sites, including scans from the VLA, the VLBA, the Green Bank Telescope and others. Click here to see the current status and availability of DRIFT.

Operational Data Sharing (ODS)

 NRAO has developed the Operational Data Sharing (ODS) system which publishes radio telescopes’ observation information to a protected database. Satellite operators use these data to adjust their downlink tasking algorithms in real time to avoid sensitive RA facilities.

7 GHz Band Study

Several important development efforts are taking place in this spectrum management division, including the Advanced Spectrum Monitor (ASM-2), and Operational Data Sharing (ODS). This division houses development efforts that will (if successful) become part of the Spectrum Monitoring.

National Radio Dynamic Zone (NRDZ)

The NRDZ Project was funded by NSF starting in 2020, and several of NRAO's current Special Projects began as NRDZ-funded efforts. 

Connect with NRAO

The NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory and NSF Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NSF NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NSF NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NSF NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NSF NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (U.S. NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.