The RFI situation for a space-based low-frequency radio astronomy instrument

Abstract

Space based ultra-long wavelength radio astronomy has recently gained a lot of interest. Techniques to open the virtually unexplored frequency band below 30 MHz are becoming within reach at this moment. Due to the ionosphere and the radio interference (RFI) on Earth exploring this frequency band requires a space based or Lunar surface based solution. But where to locate such a low frequency radio telescope. Several parameters determine this decision, of which the RFI situation is one of the most important ones. In this paper we will elaborate on the expected RFI levels of space-based low-frequency instruments.