Government to invest $387-million in world’s largest radio telescope

More than 131,00 Square Kilometre Array antennas will spread across the Murchison region of WA. Image credit: Michael Goh and ICRAR/Curtin

PM announces investment for Australia’s portion of the multi-national Square Kilometre Array project to explore new boundaries of the universe.

by Mike Simpson

Australia’s Federal Government is investing $387-million in the building of part of the world’s largest radio telescope project to be based in Western Australia.

The multi-country Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project will have a lifespan of more than 50 years and aims to expand our understanding of the universe and drive technological developments worldwide.

Australia and South Africa will each host SKA telescopes. The SKA Organisation that leads the global project is headquartered in the United Kingdom and comprises organisations from 15 countries.

The local SKA is to be located in the Murchison region of WA and is projected to create more than 350 jobs during the 10-year construction phase and a further 230 ongoing positions over the life of the project. READ FULL ARTICLE