FED: South Africa and Aust agrees to work on telescope
26 Feb 2009 11:39 PM
Subject: FED: South Africa and Aust agrees to work on telescope FED: South Africa and Aust agrees to work on telescope
CANBERRA, Feb 26 AAP - South Africa has agreed to work closely with Australia on a massive radio telescope proposed for Western Australia.
Science Minister Kim Carr met with his South African counterpart Mosibudi Mangena on Thursday to discuss Australia's bid to the International SKA Steering Committee.
The two countries have promised to work on the science behind the SKA, Senator Carr said, though the project could go to either country.
"Astronomers will be able to exploit the complementary and common nature of the two SKA pathfinder facilities," he said in a statement.
Senator Carr also noted the partnership would help improve academic collaboration between the two countries.
"The governments have also agreed to work closely together to promote the scientific value and broad ranging benefits of the SKA to the international community," Senator Carr said.
"South Africa and Australia are ready to engage with potential partner countries in the development and implementation of the SKA."
AAP pv/jnb/mn =0A
FED: South Africa and Aust agrees to work on telescope