Source: What is the Square Kilometer Array project, significance of India joining it (The Indian Express, January 10)
- Full Membership Status: India is now a full member of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project. This step means more access to the world’s biggest radio telescope.
- Financial Commitment: The country has committed Rs 1,250 crore. This includes its share for the construction phase.
- Scientific Collaboration: India’s full membership expands its role in international science projects.
- Other Projects: India is also involved in LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory), ITER, and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). These are key global science initiatives.
The Square Kilometer Array (SKA)
- Overview: The SKA is not just one big telescope. It is made up of thousands of dishes. They work together as a team.
- Name Origin: The name comes from a goal. They wanted to collect waves over one square kilometer. This goal is met with many small antennas.
- Construction Sites: They are building 200 in South Africa and over 130,000 in Australia. These places are empty and quiet. This helps to keep noises away.
- Project Timeline: They started building in December 2022. They plan to finish the first part next year.
- Power and Performance: The SKA will be much stronger than today’s best radio telescopes. It will be up to 60 times more powerful.
Benefits for India in Joining SKA
- Global Collaboration: India stands to gain significantly in science and technology by joining the SKA project. Though SKA’s facilities are not in India, similar global projects have advantaged Indian science.
- Advancing Radio Astronomy: India shines in radio astronomy, with facilities like Pune’s The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) leading globally. Adding SKA is the natural next step for Indian astronomers.
- Boosting Scientific Research: The SKA promises to be a key tool in answering astronomical questions. Indian scientists are well positioned to advance their research through it.
- Preferential Access for Full Members: Full member status in the SKA grants India special access to its facilities.
- Open-Use Policy vs. Member Priorities: Typically, telescope time is awarded through competitive bidding. However, contributors to the SKA may receive priority.
- Limited Time for Non-Members: Countries not contributing to the SKA will have to compete for limited available telescope time.
- Technology Advantages: The SKA will utilize top-tier technology fields.
- Intellectual Property Benefits: Project IP, while owned by the SKA Observatory, will be available to member countries. This will aid in research and development across various sectors.
- Expanding Science and Technology: The project aims to broaden the scientific knowledge in the field. It will also provide training and skill development.
- Lead by National Centre for Radio Astrophysics: Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) is spearheading India’s involvement in the project.
- Widespread Collaboration: However, collaboration extends to 22 Indian institutions. These range from top research facilities to educational institutions like IITs and IISERs.
- Inclusion of Universities and Private Sector: The project includes participation from universities, colleges, and private companies.