The square kilometre array: challenges of distributed operations and big data rates

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), set to become the world's largest radio observatory, faces significant challenges in managing unprecedented data rates and distributed operations. Comprising low-frequency arrays in Western Australia and mid-frequency arrays in South Africa, with its global headquarters at Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK, the SKA will generate one of the highest data volumes in scientific research. A key hurdle is efficiently processing and transmitting data from remote receptors through multiple stages before analysis. To address this, a network of SKA Regional Centres (SRCs) worldwide is being developed to produce advanced data products for collaboration, publication, and preservation. This paper outlines the operational concept for the SKA and highlights the complexities of its distributed model, while also updating progress on establishing the collaborative SRC network.

Chrysostomou, A., Bolton, R. C., & Davis, G. R. (2018). The square kilometre array: challenges of distributed operations and big data rates. Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems VII, 47. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2309554