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SKAO’s 2023 Annual Report released
from Contact 16
BY JOSHUA RODDEN (SKAO)
With the publication of the 2023 Annual Report, the SKAO provides a comprehensive overview of the Observatory’s significant achievements and progress last year. The report underscores the SKAO’s resilience in navigating the complex political and economic challenges faced by large-scale research infrastructures.
Key milestones reported on include the commencement of infrastructure work in both South Africa and Australia, the assembly of the first SKA-Mid telescope production dish in China, the delivery of the first batches of SKA-Low antennas in Australia, and the expansion of the organisation’s membership, with Spain joining the SKAO, and both Germany and Canada confirming their intention to join. The year also saw the successful installation and first light of the Aperture Array Verification System 3 (AAVS3), an SKA-Low technology demonstrator.
The report also highlights the Observatory’s commitment to sustainability, including efforts to monitor biodiversity and water consumption at both the SKA-Mid and SKALow telescope sites, and a continued focus on the use of renewable energy. Other highlights include the signing of four cooperation agreements, including one with the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and continued advocacy for both astronomy and dark and quiet skies across major international forums.
