Draft:SRCNet
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|  |
| Abbreviation | SRCNet |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2018 |
| Type | International collaboration |
| Purpose | Data processing and user support for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory |
| Headquarters | Distributed across SKA partner countries |
| Website | SKAO SRC page |
SKA Regional Centre Network (SRCNet)
[edit]The SKA Regional Centre Network (SRCNet) is a globally distributed network of data centres established to support the scientific exploitation of data from the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory. Given the immense data volumes generated by the SKA telescopes, SRCNet provides the infrastructure for data processing, storage, access, collaboration, and user support to the international astronomy community.
Overview
[edit]The SKA Observatory (SKAO) operates two major radio telescope arrays located in South Africa and Australia. These telescopes produce vast quantities of data, initially processed by local Science Data Processors (SDPs). The processed data, known as Observatory Level Data Products (OLDPs), are distributed to SRCNet nodes across participating countries. These nodes are then responsible for further processing, analysis, storage, and dissemination of Advanced Data Products (ADPs).
SRCNet aims to:
Host the SKA Science Archive
Provide computing, storage, and collaborative platforms
Enable workflows for data analysis
Offer training and support to users
Vision and Principles
[edit]The SRCNet vision is to deploy a collaborative and federated network of SKA Regional Centres. Key principles agreed upon by the SRC Steering Committee (SRCSC) include:
Common SKAO/SRCNet user account
Single helpdesk system
Federated Authentication and Authorisation Infrastructure (AAI)
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and FAIR/Open Science principles
Pooled and project-based allocation of global resources
Optimized energy use and minimal data redundancy
Development Roadmap
[edit]SRCNet is being developed in a phased approach:
SRCNet v0.1 (Q1 2025): First internal prototype with basic services, data movement, and user authentication
SRCNet v0.2 (Q1 2026): Integration of telescope data, federated execution, and early user engagement
SRCNet v0.3 (Q4 2026): Preparation for public science verification
SRCNet v1.0 beta (Q4 2027): Advanced tools, analysis portals, and monitoring systems
SRCNet v1.0 (Q1 2028): Full support for public Cycle 1 science programs
Confirmed Partners
[edit]As of early 2025, the following countries are confirmed participants in the SRCNet project:
Australia
Canada
China
France
Germany
India
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Portugal
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
SRCNet0.1 Deployment
[edit]SRCNet0.1 is the first internal prototype release, with target deployment in late 2024. It involves:
Approximately 8 PB of offered storage
Candidate SRC sites in Canada, China, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK
Functionality including data discovery, replication, visualisation tools, and Python-based analysis platforms
Use of Rucio for data movement and metadata tracking
Common authentication and identity management (IAM)
Architecture and Services
[edit]SRCNet’s core services include:
Interface/API layer with standard protocols (e.g. IVOA TAP, SODA)
Unified metadata and provenance tracking
Data Lake and ingestion services
User interfaces (e.g. ESAP, JupyterHub, CANFAR Science Platform)
Visualization of imaging, spectral, and time-series data
References
[edit]UK SKA Regional Centre (UKSRC)
Rosie Bolton, "SRCNet Project Update," Catania SKA LHCONE Meeting, April 2024