Future 6G cellular networks & radio astronomy
We study how future 6G cellular networks impact radio telescopes, considering both terrestrial networks and networks based in low Earth orbit. Our main focus is the 7.125–8.4 GHz band, currently under study for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).
Active transmission measurements at the VLA
In a joint experiment between NSF, SpectrumX, and NTIA, we conducted the first active transmission study near the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico. By transmitting signals from user equipment (UE) near the telescope, we measured how those signals couple into the VLA antenna array and how they affect its science data.
The study connects cellular transmissions to their effects on radio astronomy observations, helping us understand coexistence between future wireless networks and sensitive radio telescopes.
Attributing satellite signals
Alongside the VLA measurements, we are developing and testing low-cost systems that attribute received signals to individual low Earth orbit satellites. When a satellite signal couples into a radio telescope, our goal is to identify which satellite transmitted it. These systems are being designed for compatibility with radio telescopes to help trace the sources of radio-frequency interference.
Related reading
A. Abedi, J. Sanz, M. Zheleva, and A. Sahai. From Foe to Friend: The Surprising Turn of Mega Constellations in Radio Astronomy. HotNets 2024.