On the Development of Radio Astronomy and Protected Astronomy Reserves in South Africa. Dr. Adrian Tiplady SKA South Africa

Transcription

1 On the Development of Radio Astronomy and Protected Astronomy Reserves in South Africa Dr. Adrian Tiplady SKA South Africa

2 Background Major astronomy investments Optical Astronomy 10m class Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) Radio Astronomy MeerKAT 64 x 13.5m offset Gregorian Currently 4 on site 1.45 x JVLA 1400MHz Completion 2017 Square Kilometre Array Multi-national In RSA: 197 x 15m (SKA-MID) Other international projects C-BASS PAPER SALT MeerKAT (1 st Dish)

3 Identifying Natural Geographic Advantage Northern Cape Province >1000km across Low demand on wireless services due to low population density Topographical features provide shielding High and dry Remote, but not too remote Availability of bulk infrastructure

4 Protection of Investment through Unique Legislation Empowers the Minister for Science and Technology to declare protected areas around strategic astronomy sites (radio, optical and other multi-wavelength astronomy) Act also enables the advancement of astronomy and related scientific endeavours Allocates all spectrum to radio astronomy service Three tiers of protected areas: Core area the physical area of the observatory / instrument Central area surrounds the core area. Minister prohibits certain activities / categories of activities in this area Coordination area Minister sets standards which activities must comply with Protected areas apply to existing and new activities Importantly, the Act prevails over existing Electronic Communications Act, where protection of radio astronomy is concerned

5 Regulation Policy Direction Enforcement Enforcement (thru Co-Management Agreement) Enforcement Regime Other Ministers & Government Departments Minister of Science & Technology Minister of Communications Director-General Department of Communications NRF Board Co-Management Agreement Chief Specialist: Astronomy Deputy Director- General Policy Policy Policy SKA South Africa National Research Foundation Astronomy Management Authority Special Services Delivery Unit Dept. of Science and Technology Telecommunications Regulatory Environment (EC Act) Regulation Enforcement Regulation ICASA Enforcement Regulation Astronomy Regulatory Environment (AGA Act) Regulation Regulation Enforcement Regulation in terms of relevant legislation Licenced Transmitters & Class Licenced Devices Licenced Transmitters & Class Licenced Devices within AAAs Non-licenced Transmissions and Interference Sources within AAAs Formal Reporting Lines AMA Enforcement in terms of AGA Regulations ICASA Enforcement in terms of EC & AGA Regulations Policy direction

6 Declared Astronomy Advantage Areas 100MHz 25.5 GHz 100MHz 2.17 GHz (to be declared)

7 ITU-R RA Same methodology, implemented continuously Drawbacks Protection levels inadequate for nextgeneration surveys Narrowband no longer only risk, but also broadband EMI (often selfgenerated), which can be more detrimental due to complete contamination of RF spectrum Adopting a Protection Standard

8 Implementation Stakeholder buy-in Telecommunication operators Work with operators to optimize existing coverage and reduce impact Develop alternative means of delivery of telecommunication services Increased spectrum efficiency Government integration Protection requirements implemented through all government policy ICASA and Department of Communications policy Mining, renewable energy, other

9 Implementation: Telecommunication Services (narrowband) Example: Broadcasting Digital Migration Opportunity to optimize broadcasting network Resulted in policy to deploy subsidised satellite receivers in place of terrestrial DTT coverage Existing (blue line), future (red & black line)

10 Example: Wind Power Facilities Key risks A majority of wind turbines investigated thus far - purported EMC compliance as claimed by developers is based on incorrect measurement methodologies Implementation: EMI (broadband)

11 Example: Wind Power Facilities Impact analysis typically consist of modelled and measured interference and propagation loss Implementation: EMI (broadband)

12 Implementation: EMI (broadband) Example: Powerline Sparking & micro-sparking (typically <66kV) Characterisation enables clear separation distances to be prescribed through regulation (subject to local topographical conditions) Powerline Characterisation Powerline Inverse Prediction Risk Maps Characteristic sparking (time domain) Risk map Compliance map Characteristic sparking (frequency domain)

13 Implementation: EMI (broadband) Example: MeerKAT Powerline Design of spark free powerline Consideration of all aspects type of insulators, installation methodology etc. Installation of MeerKAT powerline

14 On-Site Protection from Self-Generated EMI On-site facility 10m high berm

15 On-Site Protection from Self-Generated EMI Risk map for site MeerKAT configuration On-site facility

16 Risk map for site with overlaid MeerKAT locations On-Site Protection from Self-Generated EMI

17 On-Site Protection from Self-Generated EMI Example: On-site Protection from Self-Generated EMI Rotary UPS mechanically de-couples potential noise on line from dishes Submerged Bunker 120dB Shielded Room

18 On-Site Protection from Self-Generated EMI Management policies Everything brought on to site is measured, characterized and issued a permit with conditions for use Cherry picker & Drill Measurements Caravan & Splicer measurements RF Shielding Blanket Testing Risk to each dish location

19 Sometimes, you just can t think of everything

20 Dr. Adrian Tiplady Head of Strategy, SKA South Africa