DSN Radio Astronomy
Capability Development

The limited resources of the TMO Radio Astronomy program are focused developing capabilities with high scientific interest which build on particular strengths of the DSN. This document presents the technical goals at a high level. From these, detailed capability goals have been derived.

Investigators and potential investigators are invited to comment on these goals and the priority which should be assigned to them by sending e-mail to Tom Kuiper and posting their views on the DSN Radio Astronomy Discussion Forum.

Capability	Science Area	JPL & DSN Assets	Tasks and Challenges	Status
mm-wave VLBI	quasars, galactic nuclei	34-m antennas around the world	pointing, aperture correction, solid outer panels, one mm-capable 34-m per DSN site	85-105 GHz receiver being tested on DSS-13
mm-wave spectroscopy	star formation, many others	34-m antennas in both N & S hemispheres
magnetic field strength measurements	star formation	long-term development environment	control of systematic errors	33 GHz system being checked out at DSS-13
broadband (>250 MHz) spectroscopy	evolution of galaxies	large antennas	demonstrate downconverter performance	300/500 MHz 1024-ch spectrometer ready for testing broadband RF pre-selector filter ready for testing
spectral line surveys	interstellar chemistry, origin of biochemistry	WBSA, CSP	develop automatic data acquisition and analysis software	potential; no current development

These development activities are listed in some rough order of priority, with the following rationale:

• Millimeter wave operation would serve the largest community.
• A measurement of the magnetic field strength in a dense, potentially star-forming, cloud would have the most immediate scientific impact.
• Study of molecules in galaxies as a function of redshift is aligned with current research in galaxy evolution.
• Centimeter wave spectral lines surveys are urgently needed, because of the deteriotating spectrum environment, but the cost of reaching a minimum capability threshold is high.

The following currently authorized or proposed projects are involved in or will benefit from the development activities.