Project Idea
The Blura project aims to design a transparent protective dome for the 5-meter radio telescope at Princess Nourah University. A 7-meter geodesic dome with a height-to-diameter ratio of 0.5 was proposed to provide structural stability and aerodynamic efficiency while reducing material requirements. The dome protects the telescope from rain, dust, moisture, and wind while maintaining radio-signal transparency, particularly at the 1420 MHz Hydrogen Line frequency.
01
The Beginning
The idea started from the need to protect the radio telescope from environmental conditions that could affect its performance, such as rain, dust, and moisture, while avoiding interference with the radio signals received by the telescope.
02
The Idea
The project provides a protective geodesic dome for the radio telescope that shields it from environmental factors such as rain, dust, moisture, and wind while maintaining high radio-signal transparency and minimizing signal attenuation. The design also provides structural stability and wind resistance, protects the telescope’s wooden components from moisture-related damage, and preserves the telescope’s performance at the 1420 MHz Hydrogen Line frequency
03
The Experience
The project began with the idea of protecting the radio telescope from environmental factors such as rain, dust, moisture, and wind while maintaining the quality of radio signals. Based on this need, a 7-meter geodesic dome was designed, followed by a comparison of several materials based on radio transparency, environmental resistance, weight, and service life. ETFE was then selected, leading to the development of a physical prototype of the proposed dome.
A visual tour documenting the manufacturing stages, laboratory testing, and live tracking experiments in the field.
Explore the projects and experiments that shape the Electrospace experience.
