Successful Radio Astronomy Projects in BRICS Cooperation

Six competitive calls have been held since 2016, through which 157 projects across 10 priority areas have received financial support. One of the successful projects is STARS, in the field of astronomy and radio astronomy. This quadrilateral project was implemented by Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa, during which ground-station equipment was designed and constructed.

The main objective of the project was to achieve sub-THz technology and to develop quantum-limited SIS receivers and THz sources for application in ground-based and space radio astronomy. BRICS countries possess considerable experience in radio astronomy, and after the completion of the project, the development of THz receivers for space and ground observatories continued.

Key Project Achievements

• Development of low-noise 211–275 GHz SIS receivers for the Russian space project and the Latin American Event Horizon Telescope (LLAMA).
• Fabrication of Nb/AlN/NbN twin-junction SIS mixers in NbTiN/Al microstrip lines for 700–950 GHz receivers, intended for use in the Chinese Antarctic Observatory and the Brazilian LLAMA Observatory in the Andes.