Envar Delivers Critical Systems for World-Leading Square Kilometre Array Observatory

WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

Envar plays a key role in the delivery of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)  — a groundbreaking international scientific endeavour aiming to construct the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope. Located at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO), known by its Wajarri name Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara (“sharing the sky and stars”), approximately 800 km north of Perth, the SKA-Low component is central to this ambitious initiative.

The SKA-Low telescope will comprise over 131,000 Christmas tree-shaped antennas spread across a 74 km² area, forming part of the global SKA project alongside SKA-Mid in South Africa. Operated within the 50–350 MHz range, SKA-Low will allow scientists to probe the “cosmic dawn”, the era when the first stars and galaxies lit up the universe.

Initiated in December 2022, the project is expected to be completed by 2028, with data collection commencing shortly thereafter. The SKA aims to explore the universe’s origins, cosmic magnetism, and the search for extraterrestrial life, among other astrophysical phenomena.

Australia’s Role in the Global Project

The SKA is a collaborative effort bringing together 12 full member states, including Australia as a founding member. Beyond these, the Observatory also works with partner and observer nations, including a consortium of African countries, extending its reach to more than 20 nations worldwide. The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is headquartered in the United Kingdom.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) manages the MRO site and serves as SKA-Low’s operations partner. Australian universities, research organisations, and industry partners are actively engaged in designing systems, infrastructure, and scientific programs that will transform global astronomy.

Indigenous Partnerships & Cultural Stewardship

The MRO is located on Wajarri Yamaji Country, and the project is underpinned by a strong cultural heritage management plan. Indigenous rangers and site monitors work closely with the SKAO to safeguard cultural sites, while the Wajarri Yamaji community remains a key partner in shaping and overseeing activities at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara.

Envar’s Contribution

Envar has been engaged to execute highly specialised mechanical systems that ensure the SKA facility runs with exceptional stability and control. These include:

⚙️ Custom mechanical infrastructure built to perform in extreme  conditions

❄️ Cooling systems that protect critical data processing and collection equipment

🕐 Precision climate control to stabilise Maser atomic clocks, which provide timing for the entire telescope array

The systems are engineered to operate without disruption, enabling the observatory’s instruments to function with the precision required for breakthrough scientific discovery.

The SKAO exemplifies the kind of complex, high-performance infrastructure Envar delivers across research, defence, and mission-critical environments. We apply deep technical knowledge and disciplined execution to environments where precision and reliability matter most.

As part of the Amplius Group, we deliver with the backing of a national network, combining engineering expertise, compliance support, and scalable delivery to take on projects with both national and global significance.