MeerKAT Precursor KAT 7 sees Fringes The South African MeerKAT Project reached a major milestone on 3 December 2009 when interference fringes were seen between two of the dishes which have now been constructed on the MeerKAT site. This milestone was reached ahead of schedule - it was originally scheduled for 18 December 2009. Read the media release Media coverage DST boosts SKA bid, ITWeb SA radio telescope project achieves major milestone early, Engineering News Five new South African SKA Research Chairs announced, DST media release Media release Building vital capacity for the world's biggest radio telescope (SKA) While the MeerKAT telescope is being constructed in the Northern Cape, the South African SKA Youth into Science and Engineering Programme is feeding a steady stream of high-level expertise into the continent's SET system that will help Africa push the boundaries of radio astronomy and related sciences and technologies. Upcoming event SKA 2010 science and engineering meetings Request for proposals An open invitation to the astronomical community to propose key project science with the South African Square Kilometre Array Precursor - MeerKAT. Closing date: 15 March 2010 Read more media releases / media coverage SKA Timeline 2022 Completion of the SKA at lo/mid band frequencies Start of SKA hi band construction 2017 Initial Science with Phase 1 2016 Funding approval for full SKA at lo/mid band frequencies 2015 Start of SKA high frequency design 2013-18 Construction of SKA Phase 1 2012-13 Establish SKA organisation 2012 Funding approval for Phase 1 and site selection 2008-12 System design and costing 2006 Short listing of suitable sites 2000 Memorandum of Agreement signed 1994 International Working Group set up 1991 SKA Concept