Drone Rules for Rádio Observatório Pierre Kaufmann
The airspace over and surrounding the Pierre Kaufmann Radio Observatory / Itapetinga Radio Observatory (ROI) (Atibaia, SP) is classified as an ultra-niche Electromagnetic Quiet Zone, National Deep-Space Research Facility, and Absolute Radio-Silence Perimeter.
Tucked away in a secluded valley in Atibaia, São Paulo, lies one of South America's most fascinating scientific anomalies: a giant, iconic white dome protecting a 13.7-meter radiotelescope. Operated by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) and Mackenzie Presbyterian University, the observatory is a crucial global asset used to study solar activity, cosmic radio bursts, and distant galaxies at frequencies reaching up to 100 GHz.
Because of its hyper-sensitive nature, drones are locked out of this airspace for highly unique reasons:
The "Radio-Silence" Mandate: The radiotelescope is designed to capture incredibly faint electromagnetic signals traveling across the universe. Consumer drones constantly blast out high-frequency 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz radio telemetry signals to communicate with their controllers, alongside emitting high-frequency electromagnetic noise from their brushless motors. Flying a drone here is the equivalent of shining a high-powered flashlight directly into a night-vision camera—it blinds and corrupts the delicate cosmic data streams.
The Localized "Electrical Silence" Buffer Zone: Under international telecommunication agreements (ITU) and national policies, the valley hosting the observatory functions as a designated protection ring against electromagnetic contamination. Recreational drone flights create localized radio frequency spikes that severely degrade the calibration of the telescope's reception arrays.
Critical Geospatial and Satellite Network Data: The facility acts as a key component in global deep-space networks and satellite calibration grids. Any uncoordinated electronic interference near the central terminal threatens the high-precision tracking models used for global navigation systems.
The surrounding valley is continuously monitored for radio frequency interference (RFI). Launching or operating a civilian drone inside this protected zone without highly coordinated scientific clearances from INPE and a specialized frequency-vetted flight waiver registered through DECEA's SARPAS NG is strictly illegal. Violators face immediate grounding, equipment confiscation, and federal prosecution for disrupting strategic national scientific research.