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COSMIAC now equipped with a radome to protect its satellite system

August 12, 2024 - by Kim Delker

photo: students assembling the radome

School of Engineering research center COSMIAC recently installed a new piece of equipment that will help protect and extend the life of its satellite system.

Craig Kief, former director and current research fellow at COSMIAC, said a radome — an electronic antenna enclosure — was installed in late July. It was part of a major overhaul of the COSMIAC satellite communications system to add an additional 10 years to the system.

“What was necessary was to bring down the 10-foot satellite dish from the roof six months ago and then train students on how to rebuild the entire system of rotators and communications equipment,” he said.

The government funded around $60,000 for the project, which allowed UNM to purchase the 18-foot radome.

A team of faculty and students installed the radome and satellite dish onto the roof of COSMIAC, which is located south of the UNM campus. This system is used to provide communications support to satellites 24 hours a day.

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