The Department of Science and Technology's (DST's) newly-established Astronomy Desk is essential to win the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) bid, says the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The DA welcomes the implementation of the new desk, saying it renews credibility in SA's astronomy.
Shadow minister of science and technology Marian Shinn says the desk will counter the situation where Phil Charles, director of the South African Astronomical Observatory, was suspended.
“The desk was established in response to the international furore caused by the National Research Foundation's (NRF's) failed attempt earlier this year to discipline and possibly dismiss [him].”
Black mark
Charles was suspended for discussing proposed sites for the SKA. This contravened policy, according to the NRF and “caused undue distress”.
Charles' suspension caused a threat to SA's bid against Australia to host the mega telescope, despite his subsequent exoneration.
Shinn explains the matter instilled doubt among the international astronomy community about SA's ability to efficiently manage multinational science projects.
Shinn previously said international scientists were alarmed that scientists working on international projects “will be treated like functionaries by bureaucrats, and that bureaucratic, rather than scientific, decisions will win”.
She added that the success of SA's SKA bid hangs not on the country's ability to build the telescope and practise astronomy, but on the management of teams of international scientists across a many-nation footprint. “This is exceptionally difficult and will demand exceptional scientific, management and diplomatic skills,” she adds.
The local arm of the interdisciplinary science organisation, Royal Society SA, also said it was concerned the action taken against Charles by the NRF had disturbed the international scientific community, and placed a grave question mark against SA's global scientific reputation.
Clean slate?
The DA says the calibre of scientists elected to the Astronomy Desk inspires international confidence.
Shinn says the scientists appointed to the desk - headed by physicist Manfred Hellberg - are known for their integrity and independent-mindedness.
“The establishment of the Astronomy Desk, although months behind schedule, will go a long way to re-establish the credibility of the management of astronomy in SA, and position us positively for our SKA bid.”
Advising astronomy
The Astronomy Desk at the DST was established to advise on substantive policy and strategic matters regarding the development of astronomy and related sciences, as well as pertinent matters related to SA's SKA bid.
“The Astronomy Desk will advise and make recommendations on how SA could obtain maximum scientific advantage and return on the significant investment being made in astronomy,” the DST says.
It will also work on building appropriate relationships between SA's national research facilities and internationally funded projects to ensure optimal benefit to the country.
The desk will also look at what would be a suitable site for the placement of the MeerKAT operations centre.
High stakes
The final decision regarding the successful host country for the telescope is expected in 2012, with work due to start in 2013. Operations will start in 2015, provided a significant portion of the array has been commissioned.
The SKA is a mega telescope, about 100 times more sensitive than the biggest existing radio telescope. It will consist of approximately 3 000 dish-shaped antennae and other hybrid receiving technologies, with a core of about 2 000 antennae and outlying stations of 30 to 40 antennae each, spiralling out of the core. These stations will be spread over a vast area of up to 3 000km.
The DST says research areas will include observational radio astronomy, radio astronomy instrumentation, digital signal processing, distributed data processing and RF broadband feeds, receivers and cryogenic packages.
SA has spent R258 million on securing the project. The DST says R23 million was spent on universities, while R155 million had been spent building roads to the site. Another R11.5 million was spent on building accommodation.
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