New test antennas arrive at SKA-Low site

BY MATTHEW TAYLOR (SKAO)

Antennas for the latest prototype station arrived in Australia this month, the first of many exciting milestones due for SKA-Low this year.

The Aperture Array Verification System 3.0 (AAVS 3.0) represents a significant evolution from previous versions.

Its primary objective is to ensure continuity for the product development teams and to reduce risk for the delivery of the construction phase, increasing the probability that performance, cost, and schedule are maintained.

The shipment of antennas arrived at Fremantle port in Western Australia on 15 January. The first container was cleared on 17 January, and the second container the day after that.

The 260 antennas, without the low-noise amplifiers, arrived and were unpacked on 20 January at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, following the 750km drive.

Although AAVS 3.0 will be built and operated on Curtin University’s Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) site, it will be the first instrument owned, operated and maintained by SKAO staff in Australia.

The 260 antennas arrived at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory on 20 January.