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Support SKA bid - Pandor
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PDF Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor, has called for more support on SA’s bid to host the multi-billion euro Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
Speaking to the Pretoria Press Club this morning on the country’s bid to host the SKA radio telescope, Pandor called on the media to provide a platform to market the project and ensure that SA fully supports SKA initiatives.
“We believe SKA is an important project for several reasons, we will create a global scientific instrument, we will attract highly accomplished researchers and we will significantly strengthen our existing astronomy science achievements and create a first class hub for astronomy in Africa,” says Pandor.
Africa and Australasia have been shortlisted to host the SKA, and the final decision will be announced by the International Steering Committee on the SKA in 2012.
The African bid to host the SKA is led by SA and includes eight partner countries – namely Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia. Construction is expected to begin in 2016 and be completed by 2025.
As a pathfinder radio telescope, South Africa is building the MeerKAT in Carnarvon. MeerKAT will be the Southern Hemisphere’s largest radio telescope and one of the world’s biggest and most powerful telescopes.
According to Pandor, the global astronomy community has already shown great interest in collaborating with the development of the MeerKAT and in observing with it. The first five years of the MeerKAT’s life have already been allocated to 10 major international observing programmes.
The budget for building the SKA will be comprised of contributions from a consortium of global partners to build a €1.5 billion telescope network. According to Pandor, the host, will attract a substantial part of the €150 - 200 million a year for 30 to 40 years in expenses related to operations and maintenance of the SKA.
“Developing large-scale astronomy facilities such as the MeerKAT and the SKA can become a powerful driver of socio-economic development in the region. The benefits will be through human capital development, infrastructure. Telescope construction and Infrastructure layout will generate construction employment in South Africa and the African partner countries,” said Pandor.
The African SKA human-capital development programme has since 2005 awarded 293 grants for postgraduate and undergraduate study in physics, astronomy and engineering, as well as for technician and artisan training.
It has created five research chairs at South African universities. Since 2005, the DST has spent about R110 million on its human capital programme. The African SKA is attracting young people into science and engineering and training a new generation of highly qualified scientists, technicians and professionals.
“Expanding the number of Africa’s scientists and technicians will allow South Africa and Africa to play an increasingly important role in the global knowledge and technology economy,” Pandor concluded.
