Kenya has officially joined the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project, a major international initiative aimed at constructing the world’s largest radio telescope.
This development was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Kenya and its partners, which took place in Cape Town, South Africa.
The agreement was presented to Prof. Collette Suda, Chief Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Principal Secretary of the State Department for University Education, by South Africa’s Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. MT Kubayi-Ngubane.
What is the Square Kilometer Array?
The Square Kilometer Array is a collaborative effort involving nine African countries—Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia—as well as Australia.
The project aims to build a state-of-the-art radio telescope with an area of one square kilometer, facilitating advanced research in astrophysics and outer space observation. This undertaking represents one of the largest scientific projects in history, set to significantly advance our understanding of the universe.
Kenya’s Involvement in the SKA Project
Kenya’s involvement in the SKA project is a strategic move that enhances its position in the global scientific community.
The country aims to utilize its location and growing technological capabilities to contribute to this landmark initiative.
As one of the key partners, Kenya will collaborate with other nations to implement this complex project, aiming to become a hub for scientific research and innovation in East Africa.
The African Network and Ghana’s Progress
The SKA project benefits from a cooperative network of African nations. Ghana has made noteworthy progress by converting a telecommunications antenna into a functional radio telescope.
This facility, located at the Ghana Intelsat Satellite Earth Station in Kutunse, will be integrated into the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (AVN).
This achievement positions Ghana as the first partner country outside South Africa to contribute significantly to the VLBI network, paving the way for further advancements among its African partners.
The Future of Astronomy in Africa
The SKA project offers substantial benefits for education, research, and technological development across Africa. By investing in astronomy and related fields, these partner countries are promoting STEM education and building a skilled workforce capable of driving future innovations.
The launch of the SKA project signals a commitment to scientific advancement, setting a foundation for long-term growth in both practical applications and theoretical research.
Kenya has recently enhanced its radio astronomy capabilities with the installation of the Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART) in Nairobi. This significant milestone followed a week-long training workshop hosted by the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) in collaboration with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and the Electronic Research Foundation of New Zealand. The workshop brought together researchers and astronomers from various public universities across the country.
Training for Capacity Building in Radio Astronomy
The training program, led by South African experts in radio astronomy, provided participants with essential technical knowledge and hands-on experience related to the TART’s operational principles. This initiative plays a crucial role in building indigenous capacity in radio astronomy within Kenya. Additionally, the workshop fostered collaboration among Kenya, South Africa, and New Zealand, further strengthening partnerships aimed at advancing global radio astronomy and space research.
Kenya’s Commitment to Space Science Infrastructure
The installation of the Transient Array Radio Telescope underscores Kenya’s dedication to expanding its astronomy and space science infrastructure. The TART will enhance local research capabilities in data analysis and radio observations, contributing to scientific innovation within the country. Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey, CEO of the Kenya Space Agency, emphasized that these initiatives are vital for establishing Kenya as a leading hub for space science and astronomy in Africa.
Overview of the Transient Array Radio Telescope
The TART is a 24-element synthesis array radio telescope designed for continuous sky monitoring. It is capable of detecting transient events such as satellites, near-Earth objects, and high-energy cosmic rays. Furthermore, the telescope serves as a platform for developing advanced imaging algorithms. The innovative design of the TART was developed by researchers in New Zealand and was first introduced at Rhodes University in South Africa in 2022.
SARAO, in collaboration with DARA, is funding the deployment of TARTs to all eight Square Kilometre Array (SKA) partner countries. The recent installation of a TART at Université des Mascareignes in Mauritius in June 2024 highlights the project’s expansion across the region.
Future Plans for Kenya’s Astronomy Landscape
Following the successful installation of the TART, Kenya aims to further invest in its astronomy and space science infrastructure. The next step includes the establishment of an Astronomical Observatory in Kitui, located 185 kilometers east of Nairobi, later this year. This observatory will further enhance Kenya’s capabilities in astronomy research and development.
