The SKA is another step closer to becoming a reality with the establishment of a new international Founding Board. The board, consisting of Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK, will oversee the implementation of the new SKA Project Office (SPO) which will be based at the Jodrell Bank Observatory near Manchester, UK. Member counties signed a letter of intent at a Rome meeting on 2 April 2011 declaring their common ambition to see the SKA built.
The SKA will deliver huge gains for member countries, developing technological advancements in antennas, fibre networks, signal processing, and software and computing. The design, construction and operation of the SKA has the potential to impact skills development in science, engineering and in associated industries not only in the host countries but in all project partners.
More information about the SKA Founding Board and the SPO.