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The SKA Observatory

Discover the intergovernmental organization in charge of SKA construction and operations

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Coordination

Since 2011, the IAA-CSIC coordinates the Spanish scientific and technological participation in the SKA

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Science

Decades of unique experience and expertise in centimeter radiointerferometry and multi-frequency collaborations.

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Construction and Design

Discover the main technological developments and participation in construction at national level

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SKA Regional Centres

Discover the platform where the SKA science will be held

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Opportunity for Industry – SKA-Low Antenna Assembly & Deployment

Oct 8, 2025 | All, Industry, SKAO

08/10/25

Opportunity Description

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) continues to progress the construction of the SKA-Low telescope, located at Inyarrimanah Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO’s Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in Western Australia. To meet delivery milestones and optimise internal resources, the SKAO intends to award a contract for the assembly and deployment of approximately 50,000 lightweight aluminium SKA-Low antennas to a suitably qualified contractor. The estimated contract value is AUD $5 million (€2.8 million), with commencement expected in early 2026 and a duration of 12–24 months, covering full assembly and deployment within the central core area. The SKAO will retain technical oversight of specialised activities such as Power and Signal Distribution (PASD), integration, and system-level commissioning.

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will be responsible for:

  • Assembling and deploying antenna stations within the designated core area.
  • Coordinating with SKAO-provided antenna assembly facilities on site.
  • Managing and transporting personnel, including provision of light vehicles.
  • Complying with SKAO’s QA/QC and technical specifications.
  • Adhering to site Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) requirements.

The SKAO will provide:

  • Assembly facilities and ergonomic tools.
  • Detailed technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Detailed technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Detailed technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Each SKA-Low antenna stands approximately 2 metres tall, weighs around 11 kg, and consists of:

  • 4 aluminium antenna arms
  • 3 plastic spacers
  • 2 Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs)
  • 2 coaxial cables
  • 1 motherboard

All fasteners, fixings, and ergonomic assembly tools will be provided by SKAO to support on-site work.

Commitment to Local and Indigenous Engagement

The SKAO is committed to supporting economic participation and development opportunities for the Wajarri Yamaji, the Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of the lands on which the observatory is being built. Local and Indigenous businesses and consortia are especially encouraged to apply, particularly those demonstrating one or more of the following elements:

  • Businesses that are at least 50% Wajarri-owned, and registered with the Wajarri Business Directory, the Aboriginal Business Directory WA, or Supply Nation.
  • Proposals that include subcontracting or partnering with local and Indigenous businesses.
  • Initiatives that deliver sustainable economic and social benefits to the Indigenous community, such as employment, training, or community engagement programs.

Important Dates

  • Notice publication period: 8 September – 3 November 2025
  • Application deadline: 3 November 2025 (23:59:59 CET)
  • Expected contract start: early 2026

Call link

Official qualification notice and documentation available on the SKAO procurement portal..

Opportunity for Industry – Power Supply for the SKA-Low Telescope (Phase 2)

Oct 8, 2025 | All, Industry, SKAO

08/10/25

Opportunity Description

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) has published a Market Survey Notice for the SKA-Low Central Power Station Phase 2 project, located at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (Inyarrimanah Ilgari Bundara) in Western Australia.

The objective of this survey is to gather input from the market on the readiness, capability, and interest of potential suppliers to design, build, and operate a remote hybrid power station that will supply electricity to the SKA-Low telescope site under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will be responsible for:

  • Designing, building, and operating a hybrid power station (diesel / solar photovoltaic / battery).
  • Integrating the existing Phase 1 diesel system into the new Phase 2 infrastructure.
  • Integrating the existing Phase 1 diesel system into the new Phase 2 infrastructure.
  • Maximising the contribution of renewable energy sources, with an estimated photovoltaic capacity between 8 and 16 MWp.
  • Ensuring reliable and efficient power delivery to the SKA-Low telescope through the existing 11 kV network.

Key Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in the design, construction, and operation of hybrid energy systems.
  • Technical and financial capability to undertake a long-term PPA.
  • Understanding of the regulatory and operational environment in Western Australia.
  • Interest and availability to participate in the forthcoming Invitation to Tender (ITT) process to be launched by SKAO.

Commitment to Local and Indigenous Engagement

The SKAO is committed to supporting economic participation and development opportunities for local and Indigenous communities, particularly the Wajarri Yamaji, the Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of the lands where the observatory is located. Participation is especially encouraged from local and Indigenous companies and consortia that include one or more of the following elements:

  • Businesses that are at least 50% Wajarri-owned, and registered with the Wajarri Business Directory, the Aboriginal Business Directory WA, or Supply Nation.
  • Proposals that include subcontracting or partnering with local and Indigenous businesses.
  • Initiatives that deliver sustainable economic and social benefits to the Indigenous community, such as employment, training, or community engagement programs.

Important Dates

  • Preliminary publication of specifications: 8 September 2025
  • Planned start of ITT process: to be announced soon

Call link

Official documentation and Market Survey Notice available on the SKAO procurement portal..

Opportunity for Industry – Quality Control Inspection Services in China

Aug 12, 2025 | All, Industry, SKAO

11/08/25

Opportunity Description

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) has launched a Market Survey Notice for the provision of inspection and quality control services for large precision metal structures manufactured in China. The work is linked to the production of critical components for the SKA-Mid radio telescope, located in South Africa.

Scope of Work

The contractor will be required to:

  • Carry out inspections of materials and components at source.
  • Verify measurements and tolerances during production.
  • Oversee quality testing and dimensional control.
  • Review and approve shipments, including supervision of loading.
  • Prepare technical reports and follow up on any issues.
  • Support visits by SKAO personnel to suppliers in China.

Key Requirements

  • Specialised personnel based in China, available at short notice for on-site inspections.
  • Chinese nationality for assigned personnel (security requirement).

Important Dates

  • Planned procurement process start date: 18 August 2025
  • Deadline to express interest: 15 September 2025

Call link

Market survey and official documentation available on the SKAO procurement portal.

EOSOL and COMPOXI pass the DDR of the SKA-Mid subreflectors

Jun 25, 2025 | All, Industry

25/06/2025 – Spain strengthens its strategic role in the SKA Observatory: EOSOL and COMPOXI successfully complete the Detailed Design Review of the SKA-Mid telescope sub-reflectors.

3D models of a SKA-Mid antenna and its subreflector (Credits: SKAO and EOSOL)

The coordination team for Spain’s participation in the SKA project is pleased to announce that the Spanish companies EOSOL and COMPOXI have successfully passed the Detailed Design Review (DDR) for the construction project of the sub-reflectors for the SKA-Mid radio telescope. This milestone represents a decisive step in Spain’s contribution to one of the most ambitious and large-scale scientific engineering projects of the 21st century.

The successful completion of this phase validates the developed technical design and paves the way for the manufacturing stage of the 44 sub-reflectors to be integrated into the SKA-Mid antenna array, currently under construction in South Africa. This achievement is the result of several months of close collaboration between EOSOL, COMPOXI, and the technical team at the SKA Observatory, and it highlights the advanced technological capabilities of the Spanish industrial sector.

The sub-reflectors—a critical component responsible for directing incoming signals to the receivers—have a diameter of 4.5 meters and are made of composite materials with a metallized surface to ensure both mechanical stability and demanding electromagnetic performance. Each unit comprises over 100 individual parts, including six main panels and three extensions, all of which must be assembled with high precision.

We emphasize the strong collaboration between COMPOXI, a company specialized in the design and manufacturing of composite structures, and EOSOL, a leading provider of engineering services for strategic sectors. This kind of synergy exemplifies the ability of the Spanish industrial sector to make substantial and effective contributions to large-scale international scientific infrastructures.

The SKA Observatory, with core sites in South Africa and Australia, will host the most advanced radio telescopes on Earth, enabling the global scientific community to explore the Universe with unprecedented resolution and scope. Spain’s active participation—at the institutional, scientific, and industrial levels—reinforces its role as a strategic partner within this intergovernmental organization.

It is worth noting that this contract has been partially funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU programme, managed by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. This reflects the significant impact of public investment in research and innovation on the international visibility and competitiveness of Spain’s technological capabilities.

About Grupo EOSOL:

The EOSOL Group is a global engineering, monitoring and technical support services company with experience in more than 40 countries around the world. The aerospace division develops antennas and RF components for the space, defence and scientific sectors. We provide our customers with high-performance antenna solutions. The division covers all tasks related to the study and implementation of antennas and RF components (feasibility study, detailed design, prototyping, qualification and production). 

For more information, please visit their website. 

About Compoxi

Compoxi is a leading company in the design and production of composite structures. Compoxi combines advanced design, analysis, qualification and prototyping capabilities with industrial means that enable it to carry out serial production. Compoxi's portfolio encompasses the design and production of primary structures for satellites and launchers for the space sector, structural components for aeroplanes, helicopters and UAVs for the aeronautical sector and critical elements for scientific and industrial structures. 

For more information, please visit their website.

SKA Industry day en Madrid

Feb 22, 2016 | All, Industry, SKA-spain

Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, Granada, 22 de Febrero de 2016.

Mañana, 23 de Febrero de 2016 tendrá lugar en Madrid, la jornada informativa “Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Industry Day”. Esta jornada ha sido organizada por el Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC), que coordina la participación de España en el SKA (IP. Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro), en colaboración con el Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI), en cuya sede se celebrará el acto. El objetivo de dicha jornada es informar a los representantes de las empresas españolas, junto con grupos tecnológicos de instituciones académicas, relacionados con los sectores de energías renovables, telecomunicaciones, sistemas mecánicos, electrónica, etc… sobre el estatus actual del Square Kilometre Array (SKA), así como de los posibles campos en los que las empresas españolas podrían colaborar en el diseño e implementación de este colosal instrumento. El SKA, cuya construcción está prevista para el año 2018, será una vez terminado la mayor infraestructura científica jamás creada. Sus cientos de miles de antenas, distribuídas en superficie de miles de kilómetros tanto en África como Oceanía, darán lugar a ciencia revolucionaria en el campo de la física fundamental, la cosmología y la astrofísica. Supone, además, un desafío a nivel tecnológico, tanto de ingeniería como de gestión, por lo que se espera que a partir de su desarrollo y explotación surjan muchas aplicaciones directas.

Abierto el plazo de inscripción para el “Spanish SKA Day”

Aug 2, 2014 | All, Industry, Science, SKA-spain

Abierto el plazo de inscripción para participar en la Reunión Abierta de la RIA “Spanish SKA Day“, que se celebrará en el Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC, Granada) el día 23 de Octubre de 2014.

Durante esta reunión, tanto científicos como ingenieros españoles revisarán el estado actual del proyecto SKA desde sendos puntos de vista. Con ello se desea seguir potenciando el papel activo de la comunidad científica española en la preparación y explotación de SKA, a la vez que dar a conocer el nivel y calidad de la implicación de los grupos y empresas tecnológicos españoles en la etapa actual de preconstrucción de SKA. Se informará asimismo a la industria de sus opciones de participación en las próximas etapas, especialmente en la de construcción.

Actualmente 9 centros de investigación españoles y 11 empresas están contribuyendo al diseño SKA en 6 paquetes de trabajo con un valor económico de ~€2M, reconocido oficialmente por el Board de SKA. Asimismo un miembro de MINECO está siendo invitado, de forma regular, a participar en las reuniones de dicho Board. Todo ello llevó a que el pasado enero el Comité Directivo de la RIA aprobara la recomendación elaborada por su grupo de trabajo “Infraestructuras en Radioastronomía”  sobre el interés de la comunidad científica e industria en que España explore la posibilidad de participar en el proyecto SKA como miembro de pleno derecho antes del comienzo de la fase de Construcción (2017).

Como apoyo y reconocimiento de todo el esfuerzo realizado por los grupos de investigación y grupos industriales españoles, ha confirmado su participación en el Spanish SKA Day el Director General del SKA, Prof. Phil Diamond.

El registro permanecerá abierto hasta el 10 de octubre en la página web de la Reunión: goo.gl/dqZjoL, en la que se dispondrá  información adicional, y donde se publicará, a comienzos de septiembre un programa científico detallado. Habrá espacio disponible para la presentación de posters, que podrán solicitarse a través del formulario de inscripción.

El Comité Científico Organizador del Spanish SKA day está formado por:

• Chair: Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro, Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC)
• José Carlos Guirado, Universidad de Valencia
• Antxon Alberdi, Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC)
• Jesús Martín Pintado, Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC)
• Kauzar Saleh, Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI)
• Jordi Torra, Universidad de Barcelona
• Rafael Rebolo, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
• Rafael Bachiller (Observatorio Astronómico Nacional)
• Enrique Martinez, Instituto de Física de Cantabria (CSIC)
• Javier Gorgas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
• Marisa Vargas, Fractal SLNE

——————————————————–

The registration form to participate in the Reunión Abierta de la RIA “Spanish SKA Day” to be held at the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (CSIC, Granada) on October 23, 2014 is now open.

During this meeting, both Spanish researchers and engineers will review the current status of the SKA project from their respective points of view. This way we aim to keep supporting an active role of the Spanish scientific community in the preparation and exploitation of SKA, while raising awareness of the level and quality of involvement of Spanish technological groups and companies in the current stage of SKA preconstruction. We will inform also industry of the opportunities to participate in the next stages, especially in construction.Currently 9 Spanish research centres and 11 companies are contributing to the SKA design efforts in 6 work packages, with an estimated financial value of ~€2M, officially acknowledged by the SKA Board. Since October 2013 a representative of the Spanish government has been regularly invited to participate in the SKA Board meetings.  As a consequence,  at the beginning of 2014, the Board of the Spanish Astronomy Infrastructures Network endorsed the recommendation issued by the Radio Astronomy Infrastructures working group on the interest of the scientific community and industry that Spain explore the possibility to join the SKA project as Full Member before the construction phase starts (2017).In support and recognition of all the efforts made by the Spanish research and industry groups, SKA Director General, Prof. Phil Diamond, has confirmed his participation in the Spanish SKA Day.

You can register until 10 October at the meeting website: goo.gl/dqZjoL, where you will find additional information, and where we will post in early September a detailed scientific program. There will be space for the presentation of posters that can be submitted through the registration form.

The Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC) is:
• Chair: Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro, Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC)
• José Carlos Guirado, Universidad de Valencia
• Antxon Alberdi, Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (CSIC)
• Jesús Martín Pintado, Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC)
• Kauzar Saleh, Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI)
• Jordi Torra, Universidad de Barcelona
• Rafael Rebolo, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias
• Rafael Bachiller (Observatorio Astronómico Nacional)
• Enrique Martinez, Instituto de Física de Cantabria (CSIC)
• Javier Gorgas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
• Marisa Vargas, Fractal SLNE

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