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)
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
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
17/07/2025 – Jessica Dempsey will be the next Director-General of the SKA Observatory from June 2026
Prof. Jessica Dempsey in front of the SKAO Global Headquarters at Jodrell Bank. Credits: SKAO
The SKA Observatory (SKAO) has announced the appointment of Dr Jessica Dempsey as the next Director General. The current director of ASTRON (Netherlands) will assume the role in June 2026 for a five-year term, taking over from Philip Diamond, who has led the intergovernmental organisation since it was established in February 2021.
Dempsey will lead the SKAO during a key phase that includes the end of construction of the SKA-Low (Australia) and SKA-Mid (South Africa) telescopes, the preparation for the start of the scientific verification phase—scheduled for the first half of 2027—and the project’s transition from construction to its initial scientific operations.
The appointment was approved by the SKAO Council, composed of representatives of the twelve member countries. The decision highlights Dempsey's strong experience in managing large international scientific infrastructures and his commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
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).
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.
29/05/2025 – The SKAO, a balcony to the Universe with its heart on Earth 05/29/2025 – SKAO, a balcony to the Universe with its heart on Earth, is the title of a public talk in the Lucas Lara lecture series, which will take place on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the IAA-CSIC Auditorium, Granada, Spain.
The speaker is Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro, who has coordinated Spanish participation in this project since its inception. This is a great opportunity to learn how a large astronomical observational facility, with unprecedented sensitivity and complexity, is conceived, built, and organised. Also, to learn about the construction of these telescopes in remote regions of South Africa and Australia.
In this talk, we'll learn about the latest developments and Spain's participation in the project. We'll also learn about the status of the SKA International Network of Regional Centres, for which one node is being developed in Spain. These centres are essential for the community to access the vast amount of data the telescopes will generate and to benefit from tools, technical support, and specialised training.
From this point on, we will open a window to the lesser-known dimensions of SKAO: the challenge of interference caused by mega-satellite constellations, cooperation with Africa and Indigenous tribes in Australia, Open Science, respect for the environment, and the creation of opportunities beyond science. This is an invitation to observe the Universe with the most advanced technology... and with your feet firmly on the ground.
March 17, 2025 – The first image from the SKA-Low radio telescope was released today. SKA-Low is part of the SKA Observatory (SKAO) and is located in Australia. This marks a significant milestone in SKAO's mission to provide an unprecedented view of our universe.
The first image using four stations of SKA-Low. The full moon in the upper right corner is shown for image size reference. Credit: SKAO
The image covers an area of the sky approximately 25 square degrees in size, equivalent to about 100 full moons. It displays 85 of the brightest known galaxies in that region, all of which contain supermassive black holes. The image was obtained with an early version of the SKA-Low telescope, one of two telescopes being built by SKAO. This early version of SKA-Low consists of just 1,000 of the planned 131,000 antennas. Once completed, the telescope will be able to reveal many more objects; scientists estimate it will be able to detect more than 600,000 galaxies in the same region of the sky.
SKAO is currently building two radio telescopes: SKA-Low in Western Australia and SKA-Mid in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The telescopes are arrays of 15-meter parabolic antennas (SKA-Mid) and dipole antennas (SKA-Low), spread over large distances. Two Spanish companies, Safran Electronics & Defense Spain and EMITE, are playing a key role in the construction of SKA-Low, providing high-precision synchronization systems between the antennas and equipment for testing and validating electronic components. "Synchronizing the signals from the different antennas is crucial for combining them correctly. Furthermore, to avoid interference, it is necessary to test that all electronic components do not generate noise in radio waves that could affect the signal from the astronomical objects being observed," explains Dr. Julián Garrido, deputy technology coordinator at SKA-Spain, adding: "For this same reason, the telescopes are being built in remote, sparsely populated locations, minimising human-caused interference."
SKA-Low is being built at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio Astronomy Observatory, which is located on the lands of the Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal people, the traditional owners and native land title holders. The location's Aboriginal name, Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, means "sharing the sky and stars", and reflects the commitment and collaboration between SKAO and the Indigenous peoples and cultures who inhabit the lands where its telescopes are being built.
Drone image of SKA-Low's S8 cluster with two stations completed from June 2024. Credit: SKAO
The acquisition of this image has verified the telescope's operation and capabilities. Professor Philip Diamond, Director General of the SKAO, said the image marks the observatory's debut as a scientific facility. "With this image we see the promise of the SKA Observatory as it opens its eyes to the Universe," said Professor Diamond. "This first image is a critical step for the Observatory, and for the astronomy community; we are demonstrating that the system as a whole is working. As the telescopes grow, and more stations and dishes come online, we’ll see the images improve in leaps and bounds and start to realise the full power of the SKAO."
The SKAO telescopes are being built in phases, with components sourced from SKAO member countries around the world. Dr. Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro, coordinator of Spain's participation in the SKAO, highlighted the international nature of the observatory: "This milestone has been possible thanks to an international collaboration between scientists and engineers from academia and industry. Sixteen countries from five continents are participating in the SKA project, and the impact it is already having and will have will be global thanks to SKAO's commitment to the scientific community and international society as a whole."
The Spanish participation in the SKAO is funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, with the Andalusian Institute of Astrophysics (IAA-CSIC) responsible for the national scientific and technical coordination of the project.
This animation shows the various stages of deployment of the SKA-Low telescope over the coming years, and the images it is expected to produce of the same area of the sky. Credit: SKAO
Taking place just two years before the SKA telescopes will be tested on the first community-chosen targets, the meeting will bring together scientists from across the globe to discuss and collaborate on the cutting-edge science opportunities that the SKAO will provide in its early years of operations. Online participation will be supported for the whole week for those unable to attend in person.
Full details about the meeting are available at the #SKAOsci2025 website. #SKAOsci2025.
Note that the SKAO White Book early draft deadline has been adjusted, and instead there is a general deadline for chapter submissions of September 2025,whereupon a peer review process will commence.
22/01/2025 - A radio transient with the longest period yet seen, 2.9 hrs, was discovered by a team including Nanda Rea of ICE-CSIC and published in December 2024.
The team found the transient in low-frequency archival data from the SKAO precursor Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). Such long-period radio transients are a fairly new area of research and it is challenging to determine how the signals are generated. In this case, the team managed to find the probable source for the energy bursts, using another SKA precursor, MeerKAT, and optical SOAR observatory, and determine that the optical counterpart is a cool M3 dwarf star. This means that the signal is not due to a magnetar, but more likely is generated in a dwarf binary system scenario.
Using 2 SKAO precursors, the team could trace the 2.9 hr long-period transient radio source to a specific object and measure its counterpart in optical to find an M3 dwarf star. Image credit: Hurley-Walker at al, 2024..
The team found the radio signal in archival data from the Murchison Widefield Array radio telescope, an SKAO precursor. Image credit: ICRAR/Curtin.
