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Source- This post is based on the article “Square Kilometre Array project, world’s largest radio telescope, and India’s role in it” published in “Deccan Herald” on 3rd January 2024.
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has granted approval for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, with a financial sanction of Rs 1,250 crore.
What is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it? | 1) This project is dedicated to the development of the world’s largest radio telescope. 2) The SKA project will consist of a group of radio telescopes operating out of South Africa and Australia in two frequency ranges and a Square Kilometre Array Observatory headquartered at UK. |
| Objective | Explore galaxies in the cosmos, intricately map visible galaxies, furnish detailed data on our galaxy’s evolution, seek signs of extraterrestrial life, and identify gravitational waves. |
| Participating Countries | Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands, UK |
| India’s Role | 1) India’s primary contribution to the SKA lies in the development and operation of the Telescope Manager element—the neural network or software orchestrating the telescope’s functions. 2) It has been built by Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) along with some other international institutes. 3) India is also making significant financial contributions to the project. |
| Construction Phases | The SKA will be constructed in two phases, with SKA1’s first phase construction commencing in December 2022 and operations expected to start by 2029. |
| Significance | It will offer profound insights into the initial stages of our galaxy’s evolution, and will actively explore the possibility of life beyond Earth. |
What is its significance for India?
1) India as a full time member will gain preferential access to SKA facilities.
2) The SKA focuses on cutting-edge technologies in electronics, software, materials science, and computing. This initiative will provide valuable learning opportunities for scientists, academics, and private industries in India.
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