Speaker
Description
"This contribution summarizes INAF’s involvement in MeerKAT, a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), highlighting both scientific and technological contributions. Since 2020, INAF has played an active role in the development of MeerKAT+, providing support through both financial investments and in-kind contributions. This engagement includes participation in defining the scientific program as well as involvement in key technological domains. The technological aspects build upon INAF’s well-established expertise in radio
astronomy instrumentation.
More recently, INAF has secured significant European funding through the National
Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) to enhance MeerKAT’s high-frequency capabilities.
The objective of this initiative is to expand the telescope’s frequency range by installing 64
SKA Band 5B receivers. These new receivers are expected to unlock major scientific
advancements, drawing on Italy’s recognized expertise and further strengthening its
leadership role in the SKA project.
The initiative is being carried out within the framework of a broader collaboration between
INAF and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). An update on the
current status of both the scientific and technological projects will be provided."
