24/7 Space News
STELLAR CHEMISTRY
GMV Secures Contract for Development of Time-Keeping Systems for Revolutionary SKA Telescopes
The SKA-Low telescope will be built in Australia.
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.

Related Links
GMV
Stellar Chemistry, The Universe And All Within It

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Euclid's Mission to Clear Vision: Innovative De-Icing Operations Commence
Paris (ESA) Mar 19, 2024
In a pioneering step towards maintaining the integrity of its mission, Euclid teams across Europe have embarked on a critical operation to remove thin layers of water ice affecting the spacecraft's optics. This ice, measuring just a few nanometers in thickness, has started to slightly diminish Euclid's ability to capture the universe's dark mysteries with its unparalleled precision. The success of this de-icing procedure could ensure the spacecraft's optimal performance throughout its journey in the cos ... read more

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Artemis II's Orion Spacecraft to Undergo Critical Manual Handling Test

NASA Advances Blue Origin's Orbital Reef Station Life Support System Development

New strategies for astronaut helmet safety and fire suppression

Space station-bound Dragon supply capsule filled with everything from experiments to coffee

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Artemis IV Mission Advances with Completion of SLS Payload Adapter Testing

ISRO's RLV-LEX-02 Mission: A Leap Forward in Autonomous Space Vehicle Landing

Benchmark Space Systems achieves orbital deployment of Xantus Electric Propulsion System

SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
A Return to Your Regularly Scheduled Touch-And-Go: Sols 4130-4131

It's go for drilling at Mineral King: Sols 4125-4126:

Curiosity's Encore Journey Along Upper Gediz Vallis Ridge

Surprising insights about debris flows on Mars

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Chang'e 6 and new rockets highlight China's packed 2024 space agenda

Long March 5 deploys Communication Technology Demonstrator 11 satellite

Shenzhou 17 astronauts complete China's first in-space repair job

Tiangong Space Station's Solar Wings Restored After Spacewalk Repair by Shenzhou XVII Team

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Intelsat bolsters global connectivity through enhanced Eutelsat Group Partnership

Airbus Prepares EUTELSAT 36D Satellite for Launch with Innovative BelugaST Transport

LizzieSat signals success for Sidus Space in post-launch phase

Hughes' JUPITER 3 Satellite Revolutionizes Connectivity Across the Americas

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
New Study Unveils Inadequacies in Traditional Theories of Van Allen Belts

The hunt for superheavy elements is a periodic opportunity

QuickLogic and Zero-Error Systems radiation-resistant eFPGA IP for space

NASA industry team advances Lidar technology for Earth and Lunar missions

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Unveiling hydrogen's role in life's early energy mechanisms

Life Detection on Ice Moons Could Be Within Reach, New Study Shows

Hold on to your atmospheres: how planet size affects atmospheric escape

CUTE's groundbreaking design paves the way for future small-scale space missions

STELLAR CHEMISTRY
Hubble's Latest Gaze Reveals Jupiter's Dynamic Weather Patterns

New moons of Uranus and Neptune announced

NASA's New Horizons Detects Dusty Hints of Extended Kuiper Belt

Unlocking the Secrets of Eternal Ice in the Kuiper Belt

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.