MeerKAT project achieves major milestones The Karoo Array Telescope (MeerKAT) project, a world-class radio telescope being built by the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation in the Karoo semi-desert in South Africa near the towns of Carnarvon and Williston, achieved a major milestone in April 2010 when the first four telescopes in the MeerKAT Precursor Array (MPA - also known as KAT-7) were linked together as an integrated system to produce the MeerKAT's first interferometric image of an astronomical object. Read the media release Vacancy Lecturer/Senior Lecturer joint UCT/SAAO position in Observational Astronomy. Also see departmental profiles for UCT and the SAAO. Applications close on 1 September 2010. Bursaries and scholarships Call for applications for 2011 bursaries, scholarships and fellowships now open. Media clipping Minister visits MeerKAT site On 30 March 2010, the Minister for Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, and Northern Cape Premier, Hazel Jenkins, joined SKA staff to brief the media and dignitaries on the latest development in the MeerKat project – the completion of the first seven telescopes, which will serve as testers for the cutting- edge technology needed to build SKA. Media coverage SKA student wins S2A3 prize, UCT News 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 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