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."