DSI-NRF Funds HIRAX Dark Energy Telescope
Following an intensive and rigorous review process involving international experts, the National Research Foundation (NRF) approved the funding of R35 million for the Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX) which will be built as a guest instrument on the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory’s (SARAO) site in the Karoo. The new equipment will bolster the country’s ability to perform cutting-edge astronomy research in alignment with the Grand Challenge Astronomy National Strategy. This new investment by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in partnership with the NRF, will provide funding for the telescope dishes, feeds, radio frequency over fibre system, and some backend hardware. This contribution represents a significant investment in the overall HIRAX project.