Upgrade for MWA radio telescope

Phase Two of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) has been launched, following the commissioning of 128 new antenna stations in the Murchison Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia.

Assembly of the new antennas took almost 16 months and brings the total number of antenna stations to 256.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation Senator Michaelia Cash said the upgrade capitalises on Western Australia’s competitive advantages in radioastronomy.

“The upgraded MWA gives Australian scientists a telescope 10 times more powerful in its capacity to explore the universe. It confirms Australia’s place at the global centre of astronomy — reflected in the Turnbull government’s commitment of nearly $300 million as part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda,” Minister Cash said.

The MWA is a low‑frequency precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a next‑generation radio telescope that will be hosted jointly by Australia and South Africa.

As part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda, the federal government has committed $294 million over 10 years to host the SKA. Construction is due to begin in 2020.

“The SKA will be the largest and most advanced radio telescope ever constructed and will be used by scientists from around the world to make major discoveries about the universe. Lessons learned in building and operating the MWA are vital to delivering the SKA,” Minister Cash said.

“These projects are also driving the development of new technologies, particularly in the field of big data management. This work is helping to expand Australian businesses and create jobs, in Western Australia and across the country.”

The MWA is operated by Curtin University on behalf of a partnership of 21 universities and research institutes from seven countries.

The MWA is located at the Murchison Radioastronomy Observatory, about 350 kilometres north-east of Geraldton, which will also be the site for the Australian components of the SKA.

Image courtesy MWA.

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