Kicking off in September 2023, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is one of the world's largest and most ambitious radio telescope projects. Once complete, Australia will host SKA-Low, comprising more than 131,000 antennas spread across the Western Australian outback. Standing approximately two metres tall and shaped like Christmas trees, these antennas will work together to help scientists explore the origins of the universe.
Construction of SKA-Low is taking place at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, CSIRO's Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, located around 800 kilometres north of Perth. The remote location and immense scale of the project present unique logistical and technical challenges, with the array stretching approximately 65 kilometres from end to end.
A project of this complexity requires specialist expertise to ensure every element of the network operates without interference. HES was engaged to deliver specialised high-voltage cable jointing works, ensuring all inline joints across the array are Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) free. This highly specialised type of jointing requires each connection to be encased in a custom-made copper can, which prevents signal disruption and protects the quality of data transmission. Without this insulation, the performance and reliability of the telescope's communications network could be compromised.
For HES, the project provided an opportunity to further strengthen its technical capabilities while contributing to a globally significant scientific initiative.
"Being involved in a project of this scale and significance was a unique opportunity for our team," said Tony Power, HES Area Manager.
"Not only were we able to further upskill around 10 of our cable jointers in specialised cable jointing techniques, but we also demonstrated HES's ability to deliver highly technical solutions that support world-leading scientific research."
Beyond the technical requirements, the significance of the project has not been lost on the team. The telescope will open a window into the universe's first billion years, revealing its earliest structure, capturing the life cycles of the first stars, and helping answer fundamental questions about the formation of the first galaxies.
With positive feedback from the customer, the successful delivery of this work and the expanded skills of the workforce have positioned HES to pursue future opportunities in large-scale scientific, infrastructure and technology projects where reliability, innovation and technical expertise are critical to success.