SKA & SKA Science Data Processing

Bojan Nikolic (University of Cambridge)


SKA & SKA Science Data Processing


The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is planned to be, by a large factor, the largest and most sensitive radio telescope ever constructed. The first phase of the telescope (SKA1), which is now entering the design phase, is planned to begin science operations in 2019 and will in itself represent a major leap in capabilities compared to current facilities.  I will first provide a brief overview of the SKA1 science case, much of which built around surveys and transient phenomena, features it shares with the LSST. I will next describe the challenges for the SKA Science Data Processor (SDP), which is the part of the SKA system that will accept the data output from the correlator/beam-former and that will deliver final calibrated data products to scientists. To achieve the fidelity and high dynamic range required, the SDP system will have to employ sophisticated RFI mitigation, calibration and imaging algorithms, yet the sustained input
data rates will be up to 400 GB/s and will need to be processed in soft-realtime. This means that a super-computer scale computing facility will need to be used for the processing  of the data and that a fresh and carefully considered approach to software engineering, algorithms, and computing operations will need to be developed. I will finally describe the international consortium we are currently establishing to bid to design the SDP element and some of the concepts for the compute platform that have been developed so far.

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.