Hartebeesthoek RAO, HartRAO

Description

Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory

The Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO), located near Johannesburg in South Africa, uses a 26 metre diameter radio telescope for radio astronomy and space geodesy. The telescope is equipped with microwave receivers operating from 18 cm to 2.5 cm in wavelength. Instruments include MkIV, MkV and S2 VLBI terminals, radiometers, a spectrometer and pulsar timer. The telescope surface panels have been replaced with new solid panels to permit operation at 1.3 cm wavelength. A Satellite Laser Ranger (SLR) and Global Positioning System (GPS) are co-located with the telescope to provide precise position measurements by three independent techniques.