Multipurpose Geophysical Complex for Research of the Atmosphere and Inflow of Meteoral Substance

Created in 1957 for ionospheric research. In the 60’s and 70’s, long-term continuous observations of meteors for astronomical purposes were made.  The value of the results is preserved, dissertations are defended, research continues on fundamental topics.

Studies of winds in the meteor zone of the atmosphere, as well as work on radio acoustic sounding of the atmosphere.  In the 80s and 90s, research was conducted on meteor timing and meteor communication, as well as research on closed topics.  The last time regular INTAS measurements were made was in the mid-1990s.

The multi-purpose geophysical complex for the study of the atmosphere and the inflow of meteoric matter of the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics (Vilhuvatka village, Balakliya district, Kharkiv region) has had the status of the National Scientific Heritage of Ukraine since 2004 (https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/73-2004-%D1%80#Text) of the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of February 11, 2004 N 73-r.

Located ~ 100 km from Kharkiv.  Distance from the city helps to minimize interference and electromagnetic compatibility of working transmitters. The territory of 14 hectares allows to place antennas of various transmitters and receivers. Electricity (10 kV), drinking water, heated living quarters, garage, round-the-clock security.

Research directions

Investigation by the radio method of processes in the Earth’s atmosphere.High technologies in the field of radio engineering, nanoenergy andtechnical protection of information

Science and education

Practical training of students in the specialty – 172 Telecommunications and radio engineering.

Equipment

Meteor automated system (MARS) with a powerful (1 MW) meteor transmitter.  It is designed to measure the number and characteristics of meteor radio reflections, radiants of meteor bodies, as well as to study the dynamic parameters of the Earth’s atmosphere in the meteor region, the study of tides and gravitational waves.  The antenna system is 5 antennas of the “wave channel” type, arranged in the shape of a cross, which allows you to perform phase measurements.  Operating frequency 31.1 MHz.

WETA complex (Wind machine).  It is designed to study the movement of air currents in the Earth’s atmosphere at altitudes of 80… 105 km by radar measurements of radial drift velocities of meteor tracks in working condition.  Antenna system – two antennas “wave channel”, operating frequency 36.9 MHz.

Complex for passive location of meteor tracks.  Continuous meteor observations have been conducted at this complex for more than 5 years.  Antenna – “wave channel”, frequency 48 MHz (I TV channel).

Using

1. Restoration of meteor observations, modernization of equipment.  Countries that own and actively use missile technology (Russia, Brazil, China, India) are interested in the observations.
2. Location of corrective stations of global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Chinese, European).
3. Restoration of atmospheric sounding using existing (or upgraded) equipment to optimize air traffic in the region.
4. Work on measuring and adjusting antenna patterns.
5. Experiments on radio acoustic sounding of the atmosphere.
6. Works on hydrogen energy.
7. The use of meteor radars to probe the solar space in the interests of the European Space Agency.
8. Location of objects of a given size and contrast for calibration of satellite equipment intended for space photography.
9. Experimental studies of electromagnetic compatibility of various electronic equipment, including those mounted on UAVs.
10. Carrying out regular research of attenuation of radio waves of a millimetre range with use of a radiometric complex of the RTICS Department.
11. Placement on the landfill of software-controlled digital broadband receiver (SDR – Software-defined radio) for scientific and educational tasks.
12. Execution of the state budget fundamental work “Development of the theory and technique of passive and active information-measuring radio systems for communication, frequency-time synchronization and monitoring of the atmosphere”.
13. Work to detect UAVs by radar and visual methods.

Publication activity

Participation in the international scientific conferences:

• INFORMATION SECURITY: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS;
• IV International Conference-Seminar “Meteors and Celestial Objects, Weather and Space: From Data and Technology to Heritage and Development”.