Design and optimization of a low-cost 5-m radio telescope at Princess Nourah University (PNU), Saudi Arabia

This paper presents the design and optimization of a low-cost, 5-m radio telescope developed at Princess Nourah University (PNU), focusing on the 1,420 MHz spectral line of neutral hydrogen (HI) for studying the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way galaxy. The design process integrates key principles of radio telescope engineering, including the optimization of the parabolic dish's geometry, reflectivity, and feed horn design and positioning. Key design outcomes include achieving a sensitivity of 19.63 m² and an angular resolution of 2.94° providing our telescope with the ability to detect faint cosmic signals. Additionally, the focal length was optimized at 1.75 m with conical feed horn of circular aperture radius of 81.7 mm providing a directivity of 6.47 dB and an aperture efficiency of 51% achieving semi-optimal illumination for the designed reflector to minimize the signal loss. The resulting telescope gain of approximately 35 dB supports clear signal capture within the required frequency range. These performance metrics were verified through both simulations and experimental observations, confirming the high performance of our proposed radio telescope design. The advantages of this design include its affordability, replicability, and suitability for educational and research purposes, making it an accessible tool for radio astronomy studies in developing regions. The proposed radio telescope offers a cost-effective solution for institutions seeking to engage in astronomical research and develop hands-on learning experiences in antenna design and signal processing.