L-FIRE:Unlocking the Last Unexplored Frontier in Radio Astronomy

The Low-Frequency Interferometric Radio Explorer (L-FIRE) is a planned space-based mission designed to explore the ultra-low frequency radio spectrum (1–40 MHz), a largely uncharted domain inaccessible from Earth due to ionospheric opacity and heavily affected by terrestrial radio frequency interference. By deploying an interferometric array of six to ten spacecraft, each equipped with three orthogonal dipole antennas, L-FIRE will form a large effective aperture within a 100 km cloud, enabling high-sensitivity observations at long wavelengths. L-FIRE will address key scientific questions in solar physics and space weather, star-planet interactions, and the structure of the interstellar medium, while also conducting the first ultra-low frequency survey of Galactic and extragalactic sources. This presentation will introduce the L-FIRE mission concept, its scientific objectives and its technological approach, as well as outline opportunities for collaboration. We invite the broader astronomical and space science communities to contribute to mission development, data analysis strategies, and complementary observational efforts. L-FIRE represents a transformative step in radio astronomy, and we seek to engage with researchers and institutions interested in shaping its future.

Publication Details

Journal
TU/e Research Portal
Published
2025-05-01
Primary Topic
Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology
Type
article
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article

L-FIRE:Unlocking the Last Unexplored Frontier in Radio Astronomy

TU/e Research Portal
Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology
article

L-FIRE:Unlocking the Last Unexplored Frontier in Radio Astronomy

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Abstract

The Low-Frequency Interferometric Radio Explorer (L-FIRE) is a planned space-based mission designed to explore the ultra-low frequency radio spectrum (1–40 MHz), a largely uncharted domain inaccessible from Earth due to ionospheric opacity and heavily affected by terrestrial radio frequency interference. By deploying an interferometric array of six to ten spacecraft, each equipped with three orthogonal dipole antennas, L-FIRE will form a large effective aperture within a 100 km cloud, enabling high-sensitivity observations at long wavelengths. L-FIRE will address key scientific questions in solar physics and space weather, star-planet interactions, and the structure of the interstellar medium, while also conducting the first ultra-low frequency survey of Galactic and extragalactic sources. This presentation will introduce the L-FIRE mission concept, its scientific objectives and its technological approach, as well as outline opportunities for collaboration. We invite the broader astronomical and space science communities to contribute to mission development, data analysis strategies, and complementary observational efforts. L-FIRE represents a transformative step in radio astronomy, and we seek to engage with researchers and institutions interested in shaping its future.

TU/e Research Portal
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Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology
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L-FIRE:Unlocking the Last Unexplored Frontier in Radio Astronomy · TU/e Research Portal (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS