EOSOL, together with COMPOXI, will build the sub-reflectors for the SKA Observatory, considered one of the greatest scientific engineering works of the 21st century.

Artist's rendering of the SKA-Mid radio telescope in South Africa (Credit: SKAO)

This is a milestone for both EOSOL (a company specialized in engineering services) and COMPOXI (specialized in the design and production of composite materials), which will be in charge of building a large number of sub-reflectors for the SKA Observatory's medium frequency telescope -known as SKA-Mid-, currently under construction in South Africa. This is the largest contract awarded to Spanish companies to date.

The subreflector is one of the critical parts of the dish antenna that serves to concentrate the signals collected by the main reflector. Each subreflector is a 4.5 m structure made of composite material and metallized to achieve the electromagnetic and mechanical properties required for the project.

“For EOSOL and COMPOXI, participating in this great project is exciting, as it means being part of one of the greatest scientific challenges of mankind, and at the same time, it is a great responsibility. We are very happy that SKAO has trusted us for this great challenge”, says Gonzalo Crespo, one of the SKA project managers at EOSOL.

The SKA Observatory is considered one of the largest scientific engineering projects of the 21st century. Countries from five continents are collaborating in the construction of the two largest radio telescope arrays on Earth. In Australia, the low-frequency array, known as SKA-Low, will have 131,072 antennas spread over 74 km. In South Africa, SKA-Mid will have 197 dishes (incorporating the 64 dishes of the MeerKAT radio telescope) spread over 150 km. Because of the size and number of antennas, SKA will represent a significant leap in resolution, sensitivity and observing speed over other radio telescopes, allowing more parts of the Universe to be seen in greater detail than ever before. The array design and processing capability will also allow radio astronomers around the world to study different parts of the cosmos simultaneously.

“The SKA-Mid subreflector is a technically challenging design; the surface requires high levels of precision and is a critical optical component to accurately reflect the weak astronomical signal received,” says SKAO Dish project manager Mark Harman. “It also has to be very rigid to withstand environmental conditions. We are very impressed with the capabilities of EOSOL and COMPOXI and are excited to be working with them on this project as we begin to prepare for construction activities next year.”

SKAO is part of a new era in the history of exploration of the universe. It will aim to answer fundamental questions in astrophysics, while bringing benefits to society through technological innovations and collaborations between continents and scientific communities. The radio telescopes are currently in the construction phase; the first science verifications are expected to begin with partial arrays by the end of 2026, with science capabilities increasing as construction continues over the next six years.

The universe is waiting for us!

This contract is partially funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, managed by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

About EOSOL Group

The EOSOL Group is a global engineering, supervision and technical support services company with experience in more than 45 countries around the world. The Aerospace division develops antennas and RF components in the space, defense and scientific sectors. We provide our customers with high-performance antenna solutions. The division covers all tasks related to the study and implementation of antennas and RF components (feasibility study, detailed design, prototyping, qualification and production).

About Compoxi

Compoxi is a leader in the design and production of composite structures. Compoxi combines advanced design, calculation, qualification and prototyping capabilities with industrial means that enable it for serial production. Compoxi's portfolio encompasses the design and production of primary structures for satellites and launchers for the space sector, structural components for airplanes, helicopters and UAVs for the aeronautical sector, and critical elements for scientific and industrial structures.

About SKAO

SKAO, formally known as SKA Observatory, is an intergovernmental organization composed of member states from five continents and headquartered in the United Kingdom. Its mission is to build and operate state-of-the-art radio telescopes to transform our understanding of the Universe and bring benefits to society through global collaboration and innovation. Its two telescopes, each consisting of hundreds of dishes and thousands of antennas, are being built in South Africa and Australia and will be the two most advanced radio telescopes on Earth. Further expansion is planned in both countries and in other African partner countries.

Together with other state-of-the-art research facilities, the SKAO telescopes will explore the unknown frontiers of science and deepen our understanding of key processes, such as the formation and evolution of galaxies, fundamental physics in extreme environments and the origins of life. By developing innovative technologies and contributing to the resolution of societal challenges, SKAO will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and bring significant benefits to all its members and beyond.

SKAO recognizes and thanks the indigenous peoples and cultures that have traditionally lived on the lands where SKAO facilities are located.