RISE achieves SKA Observatory approval as a test facility
18 June 2024, 09:26
The SKA (Square Kilometre Array) Observatory officially acknowledges RISE Research Institutes of Sweden as an approved test facility. The SKAO is a next-generation radio astronomy-driven Big Data facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. RISE’s new methods will enable the detection of very weak electromagnetic emissions to ensure correct observations from space.
RISE has developed instrument-specific processing software for testing electromagnetic emissions (EMC) from the extremely sensitive radio receivers and other electronic products being used in SKA project. The aim was to develop test methods that can traceably detect weak emissions from electrical and electronic equipment, which pollute radio astronomy observations by interfering with the exceptionally faint signals from space.
“Becoming a SKAO-approved test facility is very important to RISE as it allows us to support different suppliers to the project to ensure they meet the requirements from SKAO. To further strengthen our partnership, we signed a collaboration agreement between SKAO and RISE. The SKAO-approved test facility status and the collaboration agreement allows us to be part of the amazing work of shaping the future for radio astronomy and gaining a better understanding of the Universe”, says Monika Fuller, Vice President of the Vehicle and Automation Department at RISE.
“We have developed a method together with Chalmers University of Technology radio observatory for testing the electromagnetic emissions for the radio receivers that will be used by the SKAO,” continues Monika. “The development of the method has been challenging due to the SKAO’s requirements regarding components’ emissions being extremely stringent, meaning there is need to verify for very low emissions and here our researchers have managed to achieve fantastic results.”
Monika Fuller, Vice President of the Vehicle and Automation Department at RISE
RISE is a Swedish independent government research institute with the mission to develop competitive solutions and conditions that drive sustainable development, together with businesses and the public sector. With nearly 3,300 employees, we contribute to translating knowledge from research into new products and services. With our unique breadth and collective expertise, we can take a systems perspective on complex sustainability issues. In our approximately 130 test beds, the products and processes of the future can be tested and scaled up.
“The accreditation of RISE is part of SKAO’s ongoing activities to accredit EMC testing facilities in several countries for the qualification of telescope components that will be manufactured by industry partners across the world,” says SKAO Product Assurance Manager EUR ING Dr Job Obiebi, who led the RISE audit.
“At the SKAO we have been very impressed not only by the test equipment, personnel and technical competence RISE has displayed in developing the data processing script that can meet our very stringent requirements, but also their openness throughout the process, which gives us a high level of confidence that the RISE facility can produce excellent results when used to test SKAO products. It can take weeks to test a single product, so having RISE as an accredited facility will help us to efficiently work through the many components we have to test, and overall help to speed up this critical part of the delivery of the telescopes.”
RISE is part of the Big Science Sweden network, which connects Swedish industry, universities and research institutes with international research organisations.
SKAO FACTS
- The SKAO (SKA Observatory) is an intergovernmental organisation bringing together nations across the world. Its mission is to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes that will transform our understanding of the Universe and deliver societal benefits through global collaboration and innovation.
- The SKAO’s Global Headquarters are in the UK, while its two telescopes are being built at radio-quiet sites in South Africa and Australia.
- The SKAO´s telescopes (SKA-Mid, comprising 197 mid-frequency antennas, and SKA-Low, comprising 131,072 low-frequency antennas) will be the two most advanced radio telescopes on Earth. Together with other state-of-the-art research facilities, they will explore the unknown frontiers of science and deepen our understanding of key processes, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, fundamental physics in extreme environments and the origins of life.
- Once in operation, the SKAO will be one global observatory operating two telescopes across three continents on behalf of its member states and partners.
Big Science Sweden FACTS
- Big Science Sweden is connecting Swedish industry, universities, and research institutes with international research organisations.
- Across the globe, large-scale research facilities are conducting ground-breaking research. Big Science Sweden serves as a bridge between Swedish industry and academia and these facilities.
About RISE – Research Institutes of Sweden
RISE is Sweden’s research institute and innovation partner. Through our international collaboration programmes with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the Swedish business community on an international level and contribute to a sustainable society. Our almost 3300 employees engage in and support all types of innovation processes. RISE is an independent, State-owned research institute, which offers unique expertise and over 130 testbeds and demonstration environments for future-proof technologies, products and services.
Read more at www.ri.se