Next Generation – Croce del Nord
The Next Generation – Croce del Nord (NG-CROCE) program, funded by the PNRR and coordinated by INAF in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano, aims to upgrade the radio astronomy infrastructures in Medicina (BO) and Noto (SR). The project involves the technological restructuring of the Croce del Nord radiotelescope and the installation of a new receiver in Noto to study Fast Radio Bursts and monitor space debris. Key interventions include the creation of an advanced computing center, the construction of a transmitting antenna dedicated to space surveillance, and the launch of an energy transition for the sites through photovoltaic systems. This initiative is further strengthened by international participation in the development of the Canadian CHORD radiotelescope, consolidating Italy’s scientific role in transient phenomena astronomy and orbital security.
Planned activities:
• Management of project activities;
• Refurbishment of the Northern Cross E-W branch;
• Installation of new receivers;
• Construction of a new radar transmitter;
• Refurbishment of the existing TRF emitter;
• In Noto, installation of a P-band receiver and refurbishment of the radiotelescope;
• Design of a digital back-end and tracking algorithms;
• Development of computing clusters and data archives for FRB enabling for the Northern Cross and CHORD.
Start: 2023
Duration: 40 mesi
Financing program: PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR): MISSIONE 4, COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 3.1 “Fondo per la realizzazione di un sistema integrato di infrastrutture di ricerca e innovazione”
Referent: Germano Bianchi (INAF)
Collaborators: Andrea Orlati (INAF), Michela Zardi (INAF)
For further informations: Next Generation – Croce del Nord