SKA

EQS-News: World's largest radio telescope – Listen to the universe

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Extraordinary: The radio dishes are gradually being integrated into the SKA Square Kilometre Array, an international project to build the world's largest radio telescope with sites in southern Africa and in Australia.

Key Points: 
  • Extraordinary: The radio dishes are gradually being integrated into the SKA Square Kilometre Array, an international project to build the world's largest radio telescope with sites in southern Africa and in Australia.
  • This is an achievement of partners from science and industry, nationally and internationally.
  • We now have our focus on series production," says Fabrice Scheid, Managing Director of OHB Digital Connect's Mainz site.
  • The individual segments of the radio dishes are delivered to Cape Town by ship, transported to the desert with heavy equipment and assembled on site.

20 years ago South Africa had 40 qualified astronomers – all white. How it’s opened space science and developed skills since then

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 16, 2024

They add to the South African Astronomical Observatory and Hartebeesthoek Radio Observatory which existed already.

Key Points: 
  • They add to the South African Astronomical Observatory and Hartebeesthoek Radio Observatory which existed already.
  • The National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme has played a vital role in ensuring that these facilities were not simply operated for the benefit of international partners.

The history


South Africa’s astronomical history, spanning over 200 years, took a leap in 2000 with the cabinet’s approval for the construction of the Southern African Large Telescope. Beyond its scientific impact, the idea was to attract and nurture young talent, addressing shortages in scientific and engineering fields in South Africa.

  • This was the result of the racially skewed education system during the apartheid era.
  • Unfortunately the shortage of South African astronomers posed a threat to the success of the two projects, and to Africa’s participation.

Developing a pipeline

  • At that time fewer than 1% of black school leavers qualified to study for a BSc in physics or astronomy.
  • It became clear that universities needed to start co-operating if the landscape was to change.
  • This collaboration, including the organisation that became the South African National Space Agency, focused on guiding students through honours and master’s degrees.


attract students post-Bachelor of Science
recruit from other countries in Africa
entice school leavers into BSc physics programmes
make participation in the programme a selling point for all participating universities.

  • Funding from private foundations, particularly from the Ford Foundation, the Mellon Foundation and the Canon Collins Trust, added to very basic grants from the National Research Foundation.
  • Nevertheless, students have developed successful careers through the programme, transforming astronomy and space science in South Africa and beyond.
  • giving us exposure to the leading astronomers in the country … This was extremely helpful in assessing astronomy as a career.

Track record

  • Another 27 honours and 21 master’s students are set to graduate shortly, and similar numbers of students will complete their degrees in 2024.
  • A 2023 survey of programme graduates had 230 respondents, including 53 graduates from 19 other African countries.

Impact

  • The impact of the programme’s graduates extends far beyond academia.
  • South Africa now has over 200 qualified astronomers, not all of them from the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme.
  • The National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme can only ever be part of the solution to these complex systemic problems.

Future directions

  • Students now have to navigate extensive volumes of intricate data of different kinds, from various sources.
  • Students must know what these tools can and cannot do as they push the boundaries of our comprehension.
  • This requires senior administrators to understand that inter-university collaborations are an investment in their own institutions as well as in the advancement of South African science.
  • Patricia Ann Whitelock receives research funding from the National Research Foundation and the University of Cape Town.. Daniel Cunnama receives funding from the National Research Foundation.
  • He works for the South African Astronomical Observatory, a business unit of the National Research Foundation.

PickNik Robotics and SKA Join Forces to Revolutionize Unstructured Robotics

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 20, 2023

BOULDER, Colo, July 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PickNik Robotics , the leading software company specializing in unstructured robotics environments, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with SKA Custom Robots and Machines , an engineering firm renowned for its work in field robotics.

Key Points: 
  • BOULDER, Colo, July 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PickNik Robotics , the leading software company specializing in unstructured robotics environments, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with SKA Custom Robots and Machines , an engineering firm renowned for its work in field robotics.
  • With their unparalleled track record of engineering excellence, SKA is poised to take a substantial leap forward in their robotic endeavors through this collaboration with PickNik Robotics.
  • According to Spencer Krause, President & CEO of SKA Custom Robots and Machines, "PickNik has some of the best robotic manipulation engineers and technology in the world, whereas SKA has world class competence in field robotics.
  • In response to the collaboration, PickNik Robotics' CEO, Dave Coleman, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are extremely excited to join forces with SKA Custom Robots and Machines in this collaboration.

To Shine a Light on the Advantages of Reusable Containers, the Steel Keg Association Launches Inaugural Keg Champion Awards

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 14, 2023

The Steel Keg Association (SKA)’s inaugural “ Keg Champion Awards ” will recognize U.S. breweries, bars and restaurants of all sizes for embracing the remarkable benefits of reusable steel kegs in their draft beverage programs.

Key Points: 
  • The Steel Keg Association (SKA)’s inaugural “ Keg Champion Awards ” will recognize U.S. breweries, bars and restaurants of all sizes for embracing the remarkable benefits of reusable steel kegs in their draft beverage programs.
  • Stainless steel kegs’ reusability and 30+ year lifespan make them the ideal circular choice for breweries, bars and restaurants.
  • The Steel Keg Association, a marketing-focused non-profit organization on a mission to help increase the volume of beer and other beverages served from stainless steel kegs, created the Keg Champion Awards to recognize hospitality leaders and the impacts of steel kegs on the beverage industry.
  • From the nominated companies, the SKA will select Keg Champion Award winners in 7 categories:
    Each winner will receive bragging rights and a coveted Keg Champion Award.

S&K Aerospace Awarded Logistics and Supply Chain Management Contract by Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 25, 2022

S&K Aerospace, LLC (SKA) has been awarded a prime contract by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime to support U.S. Army vehicle maintenance at Red River Army Depot (RRAD) in Texarkana, Texas.

Key Points: 
  • S&K Aerospace, LLC (SKA) has been awarded a prime contract by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime to support U.S. Army vehicle maintenance at Red River Army Depot (RRAD) in Texarkana, Texas.
  • At RRAD, SKA will perform integrated supply chain services which includes inventory management, parts acquisition, local storage, spot buying, kitting, and other services at high bin fill rates required by DLA.
  • SKA is a leading integrated supply chain management prime contractor with customers across the Department of Defense and its Allies.
  • The SKT companies serve a global customer base with sophisticated aerospace, logistics, information technology, engineering, construction, and tower/antenna solutions.

SKA LAW GROUP, LLC opens new office in Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, January 29, 2022

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- SKA LAW GROUP, LLC opens new office in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; catering to variety of individuals in need of criminal lawyers in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and New Jersey.

Key Points: 
  • PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- SKA LAW GROUP, LLC opens new office in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; catering to variety of individuals in need of criminal lawyers in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and New Jersey.
  • Criminal defense lawyers Amato Sanita, Esq ., and Michael Kotik, Esq ., decided it was time to open a brand-new office in Bucks County, after seeing growth at their Philadelphia location and prior Bucks County location in Feasterville, Pennsylvania.
  • SKA Law Group, LLC, has hired additional staff to be able to maintain the increase in clients, as well as support the new location.
  • SKA Law Group, LLC, will continue to represent clients from said location in almost all aspects of criminal law, including: Murder, Drug Possession, Assault Cases , Thefts, and DUI's.

S&K Aerospace Awarded $44M US Army MASPO Third Party Logistics Contract for Helicopter Parts Procurement

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 16, 2021

SKA is a leading 3PL provider with strategic relationships among multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Key Points: 
  • SKA is a leading 3PL provider with strategic relationships among multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
  • We are excited to support the U.S. Army, stated Mike Delaney, Vice President of Operations.
  • family of companies, which for over 20 years has provided U.S. Military and Foreign Allies with parts and equipment support.
  • Contract awards like this provide meaningful economic dividends for the CSKT shareholder, supporting programs and cultural investments on the Flathead Reservation in Montana.

S&K Aerospace Wins Multi-Million Dollar Ground and Aircraft Support Equipment Contract

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) selected S&K Aerospace, LLC (SKA) as one of eight awardees of a $700 million-dollar multiple award contract for the sourcing, acquiring, and delivery of a broad range of ground and aircraft common support equipment (CSE) end items within the Support Equipment and Vehicles portfolio.

Key Points: 
  • The U.S. Air Force (USAF) selected S&K Aerospace, LLC (SKA) as one of eight awardees of a $700 million-dollar multiple award contract for the sourcing, acquiring, and delivery of a broad range of ground and aircraft common support equipment (CSE) end items within the Support Equipment and Vehicles portfolio.
  • This strategic replenishment contract is designed to enable rapid fulfillment of user requirements and to support Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) and military unique items.
  • Assets support the USAF, Foreign Military Sales, Air National Guard, and other Department of Defense customers.
  • The S&K Aerospace team is a valued partner supporting the challenging missions of these end users.

SUNGZU Announces SKA Series: SKA1000-T & SKA1500-T - the Safest and Most Reliable Power Station

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, September 18, 2021

In the same way when purchasing insurance or stock up on everyday essentials, a backup source of power is necessary for when unexpected things happen.

Key Points: 
  • In the same way when purchasing insurance or stock up on everyday essentials, a backup source of power is necessary for when unexpected things happen.
  • SUNGZU has a decade-long history of developing, designing, and producing innovative portable power stations and solar products, with a vast supply chain channel around the world.
  • Sungzu's new SKA series (SKA1000-T & SKA1500-T) are powerful portable power stations that are composed of high-efficiency battery pack modules and LifePO4 batteries.
  • With SUNGZU leading BMS technology the power station can maintain 90% of its capacity after a year of full charge.