Science with the Netherlands-China Low frequency Explorer (NCLE)

Following the Memorandum OF Understanding between the CHINA NATIONAL SPACE ADMINISTRATION (CNSA) and the NETHERLANDS SPACE OFFICE (NSO) concerning the cooperation on the Chang’E-4 mission, the Netherlands-China Low frequency Explorer (NCLE) payload is currently being developed by the joint Sino-Dutch teams. NCLE is regarded as a pathfinder mission for a future space-based low-frequency radio interferometer which aims at investigating the evolution and formation of the structures in the Dark Ages and Cosmic Dawn. Here we propose for two PhD positions to prepare for and to execute the science exploitation of the NCLE payload. The PhDs will become part of the NCLE team, collaborating with both scientist and engineers on the Dutch and Chinese side. We propose that in phase I of the project the PhDs take part in the commissioning of the NCLE instrument, while one PhD has the focus on the calibration of the instrument and the other focusses more on the design, implementation and calibration of the data pipeline. In phase II we identify constraining the 21-cm line emission global Dark Ages and Cosmic Dawn signal as the major science case, while the study of the emission from the Sun and the large planets is considered science that can easily be addressed by NCLE during the 4 year PhD tracks. In addition, a number of ancillary science cases are identified, ranging from the production of a low-frequency radio sky map to the study of the Lunar ionosphere. Finally, in collaboration with technical teams at the Chinese and Dutch side, we propose that an important outcome of the 2 PhD tracks will be a future concept for a space-based low-frequency radio facility. The work proposed here supports this unique Sino-Dutch project and helps preparing for the science exploitation of NCLE well in time for the launch in May 2018.