Source: Italian Space Agency (ASI), 04/10/24
The activities of the Italian Space Agency for the construction of GNSS and weather stations around the Sos Enattos mining site are proceeding at full speed. These stations are essential for planning the geodetic reference network, which will support the design of surface and underground structures for the Einstein Telescope (ET).
The stations, built under a contract between ASI and e-GEOS S.p.A., will extend the current geodetic network of ASI’s “New National GNSS Frame Network”. Additionally, a gravimetric campaign using the FG-5 absolute gravimeter, already in use by ASI at the National Base “Giuseppe Colombo Space Center”, in Matera, is planned.
After site inspections by e-GEOS staff in collaboration with the DICEA department of Sapienza University of Rome (which coordinates WP6 “Sustainable Design” within the ETIC project), aiming at verifying the elevation visibility and the terrain characteristics of selected sites (Figure 1), three points for the installation of GNSS stations were identified.
Along with the tripods, installed by Idrogeo Tec S.r.l., ballast for future photovoltaic panels was provided, the GNSS electronics box was prepared, and poles for the weather stations were installed. Data from the GNSS receivers and meteorological data from the stations will be sent to the control center at the National Base “Giuseppe Colombo Space Center”.
During the survey, the location for gravimetric measurements was also identified, verifying the necessary logistical conditions for optimal use of ASI’s FG5 absolute gravimeter. The measurement point was marked with a specially designed metallic marker and georeferenced through a survey conducted by DICEA-Sapienza (Figure 2).
The completion of the work is expected by the first half of 2025.
Figura 1: Panoramic photo with GNSS measuring instrument and temporary tripod placed at the same point where the final monumentation will be erected. (Credits: ASI-DICEA Sapienza)
Figura 2: Marker placed in the tunnel (Credits: ASI-DICEA Sapienza)