Namibia's landmark Africa Millimetre Telescope project makes steady advances

Namibia is moving closer to hosting one of Africa’s most ambitious astronomical instruments, as progress continues on the Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) planned for the Gamsberg Plateau.

“The production of the telescope dish in Germany has just begun with the awarding of the contract to MTX Antenna Technologies," said University of Namibia (Unam) spokesperson Simon Namesho.

“The construction of the telescope dish in Namibia will begin in about a year from now, with construction of foundations, etc., to start this year," he added.

The project represents a major scientific investment. Namesho said the total value of the initiative is estimated at €30 million (approximately N$600 million), covering infrastructure, research activities and operational costs.

“The grant amount awarded to Unam by the European Research Council for local salaries and scholarships is about €0.5 million (~N$10 million), while infrastructure, construction and engineering costs are estimated to be about €8.5 million (~N$170 million),” he said.

“Most operational costs (power, water, salaries) will occur locally in Namibia as well,” Namesho explained.

New generation of astronomers

The project is also expected to create opportunities for Namibian scientists and students.

While construction teams will depend on contractors, Namesho said a core group of researchers and technical staff will support the project.

“At Unam, one would assume a team of about 10 scientists, engineers and support staff,” he said, adding that a similar-sized team would likely run daily telescope operations.

Training programmes are already underway. Namesho highlighted that Namibia has already produced its first locally trained astrophysics PhD graduate through the project.

“Dr Lott N Frans graduated as the first home-trained astrophysics PhD holder in the country, supported by an AMT scholarship,” he said.

Additional doctoral and master’s students are currently studying under AMT-related scholarships, helping build a new generation of Namibian astronomers and data scientists.

Paving the way

Before the telescope can be installed on the mountain, several infrastructure improvements will be needed at the remote site.

“The upgrades to develop the Gamsberg Plateau towards an astronomical observatory include a truck-drivable access road, a reliable and fast internet connection and power,” Namesho said.

Due to the plateau’s remote location, alternative solutions such as wireless internet and solar power are also being considered.

Once operational, the telescope will contribute to global astronomy research and could eventually become part of international observation networks.

Namesho noted that the telescope’s observing capabilities may allow cooperation with the Square Kilometre Array through overlapping radio frequencies.

Looking ahead, the facility could also open opportunities for science tourism.

“Once the telescope has reached routine operations, daytime science tourism and public visits can be envisaged,” Namesho said.