Square Kilometre Array

Participation in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) program [external link] is a strategic priority for CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science. Our experience operating the ATNF, as well as our strengths in technology development and radio astronomy research, have enabled us to make significant contributions towards the SKA program.

What is the SKA?

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be a revolutionary radio telescope made of thousands of receptors linked together across an area the size of a continent. The SKA program is being led by the SKA Organisation, founded by seven participating countries including Australia.

CSIRO involvement in the SKA

CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science involvement in the SKA includes:

• Active participation in the early planning stages of the SKA through the European Union's Preparatory Phase Studies for the SKA (PrepSKA) program [external link]
• Being a key partner in the Australia – New Zealand SKA Coordination Committee [external link], the intergovernmental body overseeing Australia and New Zealand's bid to host the SKA
• Development, construction and operation of the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope in the Mid West region of Western Australia
• Establishment of the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO), Australia and New Zealand's candidate core site in their bid to host the SKA
• Establishment of infrastructure to support the MRO including the Murchison Support Facility in Geraldton and SKA-ready high-speed network cabling between the MRO and Geraldton
• Support to iVEC in planning the new $80m Pawsey Centre supercomputing facility in Perth [external link], and
• Engagement with local industry on the SKA and opportunities for close collaboration between the project and industry, particularly in the areas of novel technology development and commercialisation.

Find out more about Australia and New Zealand's bid for the SKA.