South Africa is shortlisted to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the most powerful radio telescope ever. South Africa is building an SKA technology pathfinder telescope, the Karoo Array Telescope (known as MeerKAT).

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