The National Research Council of Canada has selected Ontario-based technology solutions provider MDA Space to supply the radio telescope data processor for the international space exploration and astronomy project called Square Kilometre Array Observatory, in which Canada is a new member.
SKAO will emerge as the world’s largest radio astronomy observatory once completed and with capabilities comparable to the James Webb and Hubble space telescopes, an NRC statement said.
Through NRC, Canada is investing $196 million over eight years as a SKAO member. Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne announced the country’s membership status on Monday. Other SKAO members include Australia, China, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The NRC contract tasks MDA to develop SKAO’s Correlator Beamformer, which will collect and process cosmic signals from telescopes in South Africa and Australia. The tool will be designed with advanced computing power for rapid signal processing to enable scientists to quickly access vast data about the universe.
Mike Greenley, MDA Space CEO, said the company is proud to contribute to a scientific project on expanding the knowledge about the universe.
“Projects of this size, scope and significance present a unique opportunity to showcase the expertise and innovation of Canadian astronomers, astrophysicists and industry while driving new discoveries and advancements in science and technology,” he noted.