Antennas for radio telescopes course launched at Stellenbosch University
22 February 2017
News
In November 2016, seven industry leaders and 19 students from Europe and South Africa participated in a newly developed ‘Antennas for Radio Telescopes’ course at Stellenbosch University. The course is part of the European School of Antennas’ offering for which the CSIR provided technical, organisational and financial support. The purpose of the course is to provide broad and detailed insight into specific challenges facing antenna designers and others working in radio astronomy applications.
South Africa has a track record in the field of antennas and propagation and is a key player in building the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The SKA is currently being built in South Africa, which is also the host country. This serves as an opportunity to further develop the local capabilities in antennas for radio telescopes.
The course looks at specific antenna technologies used in modern instruments, from classical reflectors to a variety of array-based systems. Background on basic radio astronomical methods and performance metrics was provided, as well as an introduction to some basic calibration and imaging techniques.
Participants were given a spectrum of methods to design antennas, as well as an understanding of what is required from the antenna systems to yield the best possible instruments for different radio astronomy applications. Dr Peter Meincke, a leading expert from Denmark, says, “During the course, a day was reserved for reflector antennas, giving the students an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of design tasks, analysis methods, limitations and trade-off considerations.”
Dr Albert Lysko of the CSIR Meraka Institute and Prof Dirk de Villiers of Stellenbosch University say that the course was an excellent opportunity to bring together the leading scientists working on antennas for radio telescopes and promote intercontinental cooperation and skill transfer to support the antenna field development and SKA initiative in South Africa and abroad.
For more information contact Dr Albert Lysko, CSIR, +27 (0)12 841 2911, alysko@csir.co.za, www.csir.co.za
Further reading:
Innovative South African electronics system makes overseas debut
News
Pretoria-based electronics company Etion Create is showing a new range of innovative solutions, including cybersecurity systems at the third edition of World Defense Show (WDS2026) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Read more...
Barracuda commissions new IPC Class 3 aerospace facility
Barracuda Holdings
Editor's Choice News
The company has commissioned a new dedicated IPC Class 3 facility in Somerset West. and has concluded a new investment partnership that will provide the capital and management capacity required to scale operations.
Read more...
MyKay Tronics from humble beginnings
MyKay Tronics
News
MyKay Tronics prides itself on not only supplying products and equipment in a growing electronic market, but to also supply the best service and support to its client base.
Read more...
Mzansi Energy Consortium helps future proof SA’s national grid
News
The Marula Green Power project will be South Africa’s first grid-forming renewable energy facility, combining 132 MWp of solar PV with a 360 MWh battery energy storage system and a dedicated 132 kV transmission line.
Read more...
Isuzu Motors South Africa, NoMuda, and S4 Integration announce launch of major two-year MES transformation project
News
This innovative project sets out to replace Isuzu’s multiple outdated legacy Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) applications with a single solution – the advanced NoMuda VisualFactory MES solution.
Read more...
Why technical and vocational skills are South Africa’s growth engine
News
As matric results and the new school year loom, Kagiso Trust urges learners to look beyond degrees and consider skills-based pathways that lead directly to employment.
Read more...
Products of the Year 2025
News
With the electronics industry slowly rebounding after the downturn of 2024, many new and exciting products were announced across the various sectors. These are my picks for 2025.
Read more...
Embit signs NeoMesh wireless protocol stack licensing agreement
News
The agreement enables Embit to offer fully customised module solutions with integrated NeoMesh wireless protocol stack that leverage NeoMesh’s ultra-low power consumption and exceptional scalability.
Read more...
Latest European market figures
News
The latest market figures indicate a modest, but notable return to growth across the European electronic components sector.
Read more...
2025 GSA award nominees
News
The Global Semiconductor Alliance recently announced the nominees in various awards categories. Winners will be revealed at a gala event on 04 December 2025.
Read more...
printer friendly version