GHANA TO BUILD SPACE TELESCOPE

The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Shirley Aryittey, has disclosed that government is preparing to set up a mini-telescope for remote observation in the country to boost space research and astronomy. 

Ms. Aryittey made this disclosure during the 5th Square Kilometer Array Telescope (SKA)  African Partner countries working group meeting held in Accra yesterday.   

The Minister went further to explain that in demonstration of government’s commitment to support astronomy, the government is assisting key universities in the country to initiate Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programmes in Astronomy and Astrophysics aimed at building human capacity.

“All these astronomy programmes are aimed at preparing the ground for the main SKA project to be implemented in Africa” she added.

The Square Kilometer Array Telescope (SKA) project is a project aimed at building the world’s largest scientific research facility in the world.

The Minister said the project will provide several opportunities for Ghanaian scientists to develop space science especially in terms of satellite applications which will enhance scientific exploration in space.

“It will also improve the Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in the country. These expected benefits will also include high-tech investment in the country leading to training, infrastructure development and technology transfer” she added.

The telescope is 50-100 times more sensitive than any other radio telescope on Earth. Africa, along with Australia were short-listed in 2006 to host the SKA.

To ensure that Africa’s bid is successful, a working group comprised of technical and political people has been set up to resolve issues surrounding the bid.       

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