GMV Secures Contract for Development of Time-Keeping Systems for Revolutionary SKA Telescopes

GMV Secures Contract for Development of Time-Keeping Systems for Revolutionary SKA Telescopes
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Mar 19, 2024

GMV has been selected to develop the Timescales for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory's (SKAO) innovative telescopes, positioning itself at the forefront of the next-generation radio astronomy. The SKAO, an international entity headquartered at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK, is on a mission to revolutionize our comprehension of the cosmos through the construction and operation of state-of-the-art radio telescopes. These endeavors aim not only to enhance our understanding of the universe but also to foster societal benefits through worldwide collaboration and technological innovation.

The project involves two distinct telescope arrays: SKA-Mid, consisting of 197 dish antennas in South Africa's Karoo desert, and SKA-Low, comprising 131,072 antenna elements in Western Australia's Wajarri Yamaji Country. These arrays, designed to capture different frequency ranges, will function collaboratively, combining signals digitally across expanses up to 150km and 74km respectively, enabling unprecedented exploration of the universe's mysteries.

This venture into the ultimate "Big Data" challenge will involve handling an average data transfer rate of 8 terabits per second, a feat that underscores the need for ultra-precise time synchronization among the dispersed antenna elements. At the heart of this synchronization are the Timescales, each powered by three hydrogen maser clocks, supplemented by additional hardware and software for unparalleled accuracy. These systems are essential for aligning the signals received by the antennas, employing satellite coordination with Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) maintained by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) to ensure precision.

GMV's contract, spanning from February 2024 to October 2027, includes the design, production, installation, and commissioning of these critical Timescales at both SKA telescope sites, with operational deployment set for South Africa in February 2026 and Australia in June 2026, followed by a dedicated support phase.

Ricardo Piriz of GMV emphasized the company's longstanding involvement with the international time metrology community and the significance of the SKA Timescales project in advancing their capabilities in time and frequency management. Meanwhile, SKA-Low's Jill Hammond highlighted the essential role of precise timing in the telescopes' operation and the project's demand for a tailored solution, underscoring the collaborative effort between GMV and SKAO to achieve a groundbreaking timekeeping system for these astronomical instruments.