Welcome to SKA2010

Aim of the meetingTo bring the astronomical and engineering

community together to discuss: the latest astronomical results in SKA-relevant areasthe status of engineering studies for the SKA systems and sub-systems, and design/science trade-off issues for the SKA.

The results of these discussions are likely to have substantial impact on the direction of the international project, including a possible revision of the science priorities for the SKA

Broader issues facing the SKA

Science prioritiesEngineering design – best mix of lower risk and innovative technologiesPhase 1 science and technologyTimelines for site selection and construction fundingLocation of headquarters of SKA OrganisationGovernance structuresNext stage scope, funding and governance

Top level schedule for the SKA 2007-12 telescope design and cost 2012 site selection 2012-13 establish SKA organisation + initial (10% SKA

, Phase 1) construction funding approved2013-18 detailed design & construct ion of Phase 1 at

low and mid frequenciesend-2016 construction funding approved for 100%

SKA at mid and low frequencies2017-22 finish construction at low and mid-

frequencies2019 science operations with Phase 12023 full operations at low and mid frequencies

2013-22 high frequency technology development2023 start of construction of SKA at high

ORIGINSProbing the Dark Ages

Cosmology and Galaxy Evolution

Astrobiology

FUNDAMENTAL FORCESStrong-field tests of General Relativity

Origin & Evolution of Cosmic Magnetism

plus The Exploration of the Unknown

SKA Key Science Drivers

Science with the Square Kilometre Array(2004, eds. C. Carilli & S. Rawlings, New Astron. Rev., 48)

ScienceAre the KSPs still relevant in their current forms?

European AstroNet Roadmap rated SKA equal top priority with E-ELT for ground based astronomy US Decadal Review?

Do the KSPs have the right emphasis? Should we do more science simulations?

A recent external review of the SKA system urged us to prioritise the science in order to reduce the size of technical parameter space so we can stay on time and on budget.

Coordinated by the SPDO with scientific and technical guidance by the SSEC

Contributors world-wideSKADS (2005-2009) EC FP6 SKA Design Study - COMPLETED

PrepSKA (2008-2011) EC FP7 Preparatory Phase Phase 1 system design and implementation plan for full SKA

US Technology Development Program (2007-2011,TDP)Goals aligned with PrepSKA

Precursors on the candidate sites, operational from 2013ASKAP (Australia)MeerKAT (South Africa)

Pathfinders (LOFAR, Apertif, ATA, MWA, LWA, EVLA, eMERLIN, eEVN)

SKA System Design (2007-2012)

Dense Aperture Arrays Dishes

Wide

Band

Sing

le Pix

el

Feed

s

Phase

d Arra

y Fee

dsSparse Aperture Arrays

3-Core Central Region

SKA Array & Receptor Technologies

Artists’ Renditions from Swinburne Astronomy Productions

Technology reviewsSystem engineering CoDR took place 3 weeks ago4 sub-system conceptual design reviews planned later this yearThese external reviews will confront the engineering reality of where we areexamine the solutions under investigationcomment on progress along the path to the goal of a costed system design for the SKA by Dec 2012Science-technology-cost tradeoffs will be required to keep within the budget

Agencies SKA GroupFunding agencies and governments from 12 countries agreed in February 2009 to form the ASG under the leadership of the UK Science and Technical Facilities Council

Meets twice per year

Are directly responsible for PrepSKA policy WPs (4-6) on governance, procurement & interaction with industry, and funding

ASG:Work Streams in 2010Schedule

fundingtechnical site selection and developmentimplementation of governance structures

Post-Preparatory Funding and Interim Governance Joint Implementation AgreementSKA Organisation

Site selection process Joint ASG-SSEC Working Group

So let’s get to work on the science and engineering issues!

Slide Number 1Aim of the meetingBroader issues facing the SKATop level schedule for the SKA SKA Key Science Drivers�ScienceSKA System Design (2007-2012)Slide Number 8Technology reviewsAgencies SKA GroupASG:Work Streams in 2010Slide Number 12Slide Number 13