SKA-Low prototype antenna sparks commercial spinoff

Astrophysics is not as far from our daily lives as one might think. Unknowingly, we all use tools inspired by instruments initially developed for astrophysical applications.

A recent example within the SKA realm is the “Christmas tree” SKALA4.1 antenna developed for the SKA-Low telescope, now installed at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in the Australian outback and which has just inspired a commercial spin-off. The antenna was developed by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) in collaboration with CNR-IEIIT and the Italian industrial partner Sirio Antenne, building on previous designs by an international consortium involving UK and Dutch partners (see details in our "Lessons learned from building a telescope in the Outback" article in this issue).

Taking inspiration from this antenna and thanks to the new technical skills they’ve gained in their two-year cooperation with INAF and CNR-IEIIT, engineers from SIRIO Antenne have developed a new commercial antenna working at 4G-LTE frequencies (698-2700 MHz). This new antenna brings together a broad-band sensor with high gain, good impedance matching and a compact size. It obtained good feedback from the European market and won a tender in France for the electrical network supplier.

The technical and electrical design of the antenna has been strongly influenced by the experience gained by SIRIO Antenne in the SKA. Even though they have very different purposes, the antennas have several common elements, including the materials used – aluminium alloys and plastics. Sirio Antenne are also working to develop a similar antenna for 5G (698MHz – 6GHz), which is now under mechanical study.

“Combining the academic world with the industrial one, the SKA turned out to be extremely interesting and exciting both professionally and from a human experience,” says Stefania Grazioli, Director of Sirio Antenne. “The cooperation enriched both sides leading to goals otherwise difficult to achieve.”

By Daria Guidetti (INAF)

Image: Sirio Antenne Srl