Groundbreaking Australian technology leads the way to the SKA

8 October 2012

The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), the world's fastest radio telescope and one of the most powerful radio-astronomy instruments on the planet, was officially opened in Western Australia's remote Murchison region on Friday 5 October.

Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, began one of the world's biggest data downloads by officially opening the telescope at the ceremony attended by international ambassadors, industry and government representatives and local stakeholders.

"ASKAP is testament to Australia's ability to deliver world-class science infrastructure and confirms our position as a leader in the field of radio-astronomy," Senator Evans said.

"The dedication of those involved, and the leadership from CSIRO, means we will be at the centre of a 50-year radio-astronomy project that will benefit scientists world-wide for generations to come."

Click through for the full release from the Minister.

Back to Latest ASKAP News page.

CSIRO's ASKAP antennas stand proudly at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, where the official opening ceremony was held on 5 October 2012. Credit: Dragonfly Media.
CSIRO's Chief Executive, Dr Megan Clark and Minister Chris Evans, Australian Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science officially open the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory and the Australian SKA Pathfinder. Credit: Dragonfly Media.
Minister John Day (left), WA Minister for Science and Innovation and Minister Chris Evans (centre), Australian Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science with CSIRO's Chief Executive, Dr Megan Clark (right) at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, Western Australia for the Australian SKA Pathfinder official opening. Credit: Dragonfly Media.
Access: 
Public