Anticipated Performance of the Square Kilometre Array -- Phase 1 (SKA1)

TL;DR

This paper estimates the expected performance of SKA Phase 1, a major upcoming radio telescope, based on detailed design work prior to on-sky measurements, serving as a key reference for future observations.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive performance estimate of SKA1 based on current design data, guiding future scientific planning.

Findings

Performance estimates for SKA1 detailed

Guidelines for future observational planning

Baseline expectations before on-sky validation

Abstract

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), currently under design, will be a transformational facility for studying the Universe at centimetre and metre wavelengths in the next decade and beyond. This paper provides the current best estimate of the anticipated performance of SKA Phase 1 (SKA1), using detailed design work, before actual on-sky measurements have been made. It will be updated as new information becomes available. The information contained in this paper takes precedent over any previous documents.