HUBER+SUHNER awarded sub-contract for supplying critical components to landmark radio astronomy observatory

HERISAU, Switzerland, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HUBER+SUHNER is proud to announce its UK arm has been awarded a multi-year sub-contract by antenna manufacturer, Sirio Antenne, to supply electronic components for the SKA Observatory's low-frequency radio telescope, known as SKA-Low, in Western Australia. The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is an intergovernmental organisation bringing together nations from around the world. Its mission is to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes to transform our understanding of the universe and deliver benefits to society, through global collaboration and innovation. Headquartered in the UK, the observatory's two telescopes, SKA-Mid and SKA-Low are located in South Africa and Australia, respectively.

Composite artist impression of the SKA-Low telescope, under construction at Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara, the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in Western Australia (credit: SKAO)

As a part of this contract, HUBER+SUHNER UK will be supplying over 150,000 assemblies that include globally recognized and high-quality SPUMA 195 cables and XQMA connectors for each assembly alongside specially designed SMB connectors. These components will enable critical Radio Frequency (RF) links connecting the antennas installed on Wajarri Yamaji country in the Murchison region, a remote site in the Australian outback. Alongside playing a key part in creating RF signal links between the over 78,000 antennas (with two feeders per antenna) that will form a sub-set of the full SKA-low telescope, they will also enable links to server stations on-site and post-processing data stations at other locations.

A key goal of SKA-Low is to explore the first billion years, mapping the structure of the early universe for the first time, watching the births and deaths of the first stars, to understand how the earliest galaxies formed.

Formed of deep expertise in satellite and space component manufacturing and engineering, HUBER+SUHNER components are built for harsh environments, are ruggedized and are cost-effective solutions that will enable the objectives of SKAO to be fully realized. The components will deliver precise signal transmissions through a complex signal chain of processing, revealing the sky's faintest details, further expanding and revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.

Speaking about the contract, Reto Bolt, Chief Operating Officer, Industry Segment at HUBER+SUHNER said, "HUBER+SUHNER has been designing and manufacturing microwave, photonic and antenna technologies, and enabling outstanding data transmission for the global space industry for decades. We recognize how this project has the potential of unlocking frontiers in science and deepening our understanding of the universe. We're incredibly proud to be working with Sirio (and the SKAO) and contributing to collecting this body of knowledge."

"We have chosen HUBER+SUHNER as a trusted partner for coaxial cable supply because they are a leading name in the RF connectors and cables industry," said Antonio Sganzerla, Project Manager from Sirio Antenne. "We value their high-quality standards, which ensure we receive products crafted with precision and manufactured through tightly controlled processes. Their production capabilities also ensure on-time deliveries, helping us keep to our schedule with the SKAO project."

This media release can also be found under https://www.hubersuhner.com/en/company/media/news 

HUBER+SUHNER Group

HUBER_SUHNER
The globally active Swiss company HUBER+SUHNER develops and produces components and system solutions for electrical and optical connectivity. The company serves the three main markets Industry, Communication and Transportation with applications from the three technologies of radio frequency, fiber optics and low frequency. HUBER+SUHNER products excel in excellent performance, quality, reliability and long service lives - even under the most demanding conditions. Through a global production network, combined with subsidiaries and representatives in over 80 countries, the company is close to its customers worldwide.

SIRIO
Giuseppe Grazioli founded Sirio Antenne in 1972 in Volta Mantovana, a few kilometres from Garda Lake. The company, on the market for over 50 years, has 4 production sites for approximately 6000 square meters entirely dedicated to research, development, production and marketing of professional and amateur antennas, today managed by the daughter Stefania, in the company for over 30 years.

SKAO
The SKA Observatory, or SKAO for short, is an intergovernmental organisation bringing together nations from around the world. Its mission is to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes to transform our understanding of the universe and deliver benefits to society through global collaboration and innovation. The observatory has a global footprint and consists of the SKAO Global Headquarters in the UK, the SKAO's two telescopes at radio-quiet sites in South Africa and Australia, and associated facilities to support the operations of the telescopes.