Mitigating spaceborne radio frequency interference through satellite database
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Abstract
The tremendous growth of satellite mega-constellations like Starlink and OneWeb, emitting radio signals, poses a significant threat to radio astronomy. These satellite signals can lead to radio frequency interference (RFI) or oversaturation of the broad-frequency receivers in sensitive radio telescopes, causing data loss or observation failures. In response, the International Very Long Baseline Interferometry Service for Geodesy and Astronomy (IVS) community and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) have initiated working groups dedicated to measuring and mitigating satellite RFI. A promising strategy involves avoiding observations near potentially disruptive satellites. In this initiative, the plan is to contribute by establishing an open database containing satellite orbits and the associated frequency spectra emitted by satellites. This database will amalgamate existing orbit data with available frequency information and measurements obtained from observatories. It will be made openly accessible through a web interface and an application programming interface (API), ensuring easy integration into modern software workflows.