Ska South Africa
latest news & developments
Outer space is the place for Africa’s future
The continent’s forays into unlocking the secrets of the universe are expanding, writes Paul Boateng.
Drive to decode array of big data
Information on a scale and of a type never seen before calls for a new kind of analysis and research.
How to calculate returns on stargazing
Governments put several millions into projects such as the Square Kilometre Array and they expect "the same coming back to their national industries".
SKA confident of attracting new members
The Square Kilometre Array Organisation is confident it will gain new member countries to fund the €2bn radio telescope.
All systems go for SKA
The giant radio telescope will attempt to answer some of humanity’s most enigmatic questions.
Eskom’s woes will not affect SA’s SKA efforts – Pandor
Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor says that a backup system has been developed so that the site can manage for three days without power.
Eye on the SKA will enable us to map the entire universe
The Square Kilometre Array will contribute to huge surveys that seek to answer questions like: Is there life out there and how do galaxies form.
What price a peek at the galaxy?
Scientists and engineers are trying to determine the technological cost of predicting what the world will look like in 2020.
Initial estimate puts SKA giant telescope “three times over budget”
The first phase of the mammoth scientific project is tipped to cost almost €2bn, but experts say this figure is an extreme worst-case scenario.
Bernie Fanaroff searched the stars, but this reticent man remains unknown
Astrophysicist Bernie Fanaroff was chosen to head the SKA project; with his experience and political credentials he led the company in its mission.
SKA South Africa director Bernie Fanaroff to retire
Fanaroff will retire at the end of next year, but will be acting as strategic advisor on the project from January 1 2016 until December 2017.
Strike delays SKA dish installations
Six dishes were expected by next month, but only one exists so far as a result of a metalworkers’ strike and logistical problems.
SKA upbeat, despite Germany’s withdrawal
While the SKA project’s organisers say they are disappointed, they do not believe Germany’s pulling out reflects on the radio telescope’s progress.
Germany backs out from SKA
Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor is pleased Germany’s withdrawal is not due to lack of confidence in the Square Kilometre Array project.
Hanekom on SKA: Africa needs to bridge the training and skills gap
Africa’s challenge is to get itself ready to host the SKA telescope, Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom has told African heads of state.