Date: December 28 2012 Australian scientists will soon begin
work on the development of the largest and most capable radio-
telescope ever made with the federal government promising almost
$19 million in funding. Science and Research Minister Chris
Evans on Thursday announced a new $18.8 million research and
development fund towards the international Square Kilometre
Array (SKA) telescope project. The SKA will provide scientists
with the farthest peek into the universe and, therefore, time.
That $2 billion project will comprise 3000 dishes spanning South
Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and will be funded by a
consortium of 20 nations. Senator Evans said the fund ensured
Australian science and industry benefitted from significant
research and development work needed before construction started
in 2016. "Australia's science institutions and industry have
world-class capability in this field and are well-placed to get
involved in key elements of the research and development work,"
he said. "This funding is abo