Space Aviation Agency Discusses Human and Material Participation Plans with SKAO

Phil Diamond, SKAO Secretary-General, Visits Korea
"Korea's Participation Will Contribute to SKAO's Development"

The Korea Aerospace Agency announced on the 3rd that Phil Diamond, Secretary-General of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), visited the agency to discuss cooperation related to the development of the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

SKAO is an international organization overseeing the SKA project, responsible for telescope construction and operation, data processing and analysis, and international cooperation.

Christmas tree-like SKA-Low prototype antenna installed in the Murchison Desert area of Australia. Provided by the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

This visit by Secretary-General Phil Diamond was a reciprocal visit following Korea Aerospace Agency's expression of intent to participate in the SKA project at the SKAO board meeting on the 18th of last month. The discussions focused on human and material participation plans necessary for SKA construction and operation, and aimed to establish future cooperative relations.

Administrator Yoon Young-bin conveyed a message regarding the official SKAO membership procedures and future expectations, stating that Korea plans to actively cooperate in strengthening its astronomical and space research capabilities, enhancing international cooperation, dispatching domestic researchers to SKAO, and supporting the creation of world-class research achievements.

Phil Diamond, SKAO Secretary-General, presented the current status of SKA construction and key research areas, responding that Korea's participation will greatly contribute to SKAO's development. The discussions emphasized further solidifying the cooperative relationship between Korea and SKAO and implementing close collaboration in the field of astronomy and space in the future.

Administrator Yoon said, "The SKA is an important facility that will open a new horizon for astronomical and space research," adding, "It will serve as an opportunity to elevate domestic space science research capabilities to the next level and strengthen cooperation with the international community."