radiolokalimeters

A radiolokalimeter is a hypothetical device conceived in science fiction literature, specifically within the context of early space exploration narratives. Its primary function, as described in these fictional works, is to detect and measure the presence and intensity of radio waves originating from distant celestial bodies or artificial sources in space. The term itself is a portmanteau, combining "radio," referring to electromagnetic waves, and "lokali," suggestive of location or discovery, with "meter" indicating a measuring instrument.

The concept of a radiolokalimeter emerged as a tool to enhance the capabilities of fictional spacecraft, allowing their crews to not only navigate by radio signals but also to ascertain the nature and origin of these transmissions. In some stories, these devices were depicted as crucial for identifying potential alien civilizations or charting unknown regions of the galaxy through the analysis of radio emissions. Unlike real-world radio telescopes which are complex arrays of antennas, the radiolokalimeter in fiction is often portrayed as a more compact and integrated system, perhaps a specialized sensor suite. Its precise technical specifications and operational principles remain purely speculative, existing solely within the imaginative frameworks of its creators. The term itself is not recognized in current scientific or engineering terminology.