SKA Observatory to be responsible for operating Radio Telescope

The observatory will be unique in that it will be the first science-focused IGO, which will comprise membership from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australasia, and Europe.

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology has approved the Convention Establishing the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO).

The SKAO is the inter-governmental organization (IGO), established under international law, that will be responsible for constructing and operating the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope.

The observatory will be unique in that it will be the first science-focused IGO, which will comprise membership from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australasia, and Europe.

The purpose of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory will be to facilitate and promote global collaboration in radio astronomy, with a view to the delivery of transformational science.

“The adoption by the committee of the Convention Establishing Square Kilometre Array Observatory represents a signification development in the process of formal ratification by Parliament of this important international protocol that will facilitate the biggest scientific collaboration the world has ever seen, and will further help to attract foreign direct investment into our country,” said Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Philly Mapulane.

The SKA is an international, mega-science project to build the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope.

The project will be co-located in Africa and Australia, with the African component comprising South Africa (core region), Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia.

It is envisaged that the SKA will act as a catalyst for science, technology, and engineering business opportunities, jobs, and innovation, with the potential to put Africa on the map as a world Big Data and analytics hub. 

(With Inputs from South African Government Press Release)