3 MHz Space Observatory

Abstract

Little is known about the radio astronomical universe at frequencies below 10 MHz because such radiation does not penetrate the ionosphere. A cubesat-based observatory for the 1--10 MHz band could be rapidly and economically deployed in low earth orbit. When shielded by the Earth from Solar emission, it could observe weak extra-Solar System sources. We consider possible transient and steady sources, and application to study of the ionosphere itself.