Radio Astronomy Techniques for Sustainable Development and Science

We present the usage of radio telescopes for space and environment applications as well as for the science of radio astronomy. In Greece two science projects are taking place involving the conversion of a 2m (called Hellios) and 32m (called THERMOpYlae) dishes into radio telescopes. The flux monitor Hellios, is currently the pilot project of the THERMOpYlae Radiotelescope.

In operation, the small dish will monitor solar flux at 10.7cm, to probe climate change and will perform earth observation research. The 32m dish, THERMOpYlae, will be used for radio astronomy, both in single dish and VLBI modes. THERMOpYlae will also work on deep space applications. Additionally we plan to include the radio telescope for geodetic studies.

We report on the work done so far, on the difficulties we have confronted, other than scientific, and on the hardware we have.