South African Tradesmen, Artisans Feel SKA's Impact

South African rhinoceros. Pic: sxc.hu

SKA looks likely to create a renaissance in South African artisanship (trades skills).

Tens of thousands of skilled workers could be required for the Square Kilometre Array and associated construction according to Jasper Horrell, the general manager of science, computing and innovation at SKA South Africa.

After completing the 64-dish MeerKAT, 250 mid-frequency antennas will be built in South Africa and nearby countries, and then 500 other receivers... besides which the IT component is so huge it hasn't been designed yet... because the tech doesn't exist...

Read the full story from iol.co.za after the jump:
http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/ska-project-to-bolster-training-of-sa-artisans

Botswana Prepares for SKA

Elephants in Botswana.  Image: stock.xchng

Government employees in Botswana are working overtime preparing for the start of SKA construction there, set for 2014. Four sites are proposed for SKA receiver installations in Botswana - in Ngamiland, Kweneng, Tsabong and Ghanzi Districts. 

Besides infrastructure construction, the SKA project is also creating a new area of scientific research. The University of Botswana now offers courses in radio astronomy (although details are not on their website yet), and the South African Government is also providing four scholarships so far to Batswana (citizens of Botswana) in science-based disciplines. 

Stay tuned for further developments! 

Sources: www.mmegi.bw

Observatory: MeerKAT

MeerKAT is the Southern Hemisphere's most powerful radio telescope. It will form 25% of the SKA Phase 1 dish array in South Africa.KAT-7 is the current configuration of seven receivers.

Technical Specifications

Number of antennae	64
Dish diameter	13.5 m
Minimum baseline	29 m
Maximum baseline	20 km
Frequency bands (receivers)	0.58 – 1.015 GHz, 1 – 1.75 GHz, 8 – 14.5 GHz

Links:
http://www.ska.ac.za/meerkat/index.php MeerKAT home
http://www.ast.uct.ac.za/laduma/Home.html   The Laduma survey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MeerKAT  Wiki page