Equipment for new radio astronomy observatory
AAC Omnisys (Omnisys Instruments AB)
AAC Omnisys is part of AAC Clyde Space since 2021. AAC Clyde Space specialises in small satellite technologies and services that enable businesses, governments and educational organisations to access high-quality, timely data from space. The Group’s main operations are located in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, South Africa and the US.
Biggest Swedish order to date
In 2023, AAC Clyde Space’s subsidiary, AAC Omnisys, was awarded a contract for the SKA (Square Kilometre Array) Observatory. SKA is currently building huge radio telescopes in South Africa and Australia. AAC Omnisys’ contract, worth approximately SEK 137 million, is the largest awarded to Sweden by the Observatory.
“We’re proud to have such a central part in turning the SKA into reality.”
A game changer for radio astronomy
In South Africa, AAC Omnisys will provide the SKA-Mid dishes with the Band 1 front end. Covering the 0.35-1.05 GHz frequency range, each receiver is over a metre in diameter and weighs 180 kg. AAC Clyde Space will deliver 80 complete functioning and integrated receiver systems to the project. Delivery is expected to continue until the first quarter of 2027.
The SKA telescopes will be a game changer for radio astronomy. Two world-leading, complementary radio telescopes on two continents will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe
Luis Gomes, CEO of AAC Clyde Space said “We’re proud to have such a central part in turning the SKA into reality, highlighting our innovative approach to quality systems and solutions. We’re making space for our future!”
Collaboration between industry and researchers
When the telescopes are up and running, scientists will be able to explore the Universe tens of times faster, with several times the resolution and sensitivity of today's most advanced radio telescopes.
Building the telescopes requires both technical know-how and long-term partnerships. The contract is based on industrial collaborations with Chalmers University of Technology, Onsala Space Observatory, and the Gothenburg company Low Noise Factory.
Big Science Sweden has been working actively together with the SKAO and Swedish actors, to ensure that Swedish competencies and industrial capabilities are made available to SKAO.
Last edited 2024