Stargazing to Star building: The man who is leading the worlds largest scientific endeavour of the 21st century in Astronomy

In an exclusive interview that feels more like a journey through time and space, we uncover the story of Kaushik Bose, the man at the helm of constructing the mega science project – Square Kilometre Array Observatory Telescope (SKAO LOW) in outback of Australian Desert. From his early days in Ranchi, India, surrounded by the whispers of nature and the stories of the cosmos, Bose has charted a path that few dare to dream.

Bose’s fascination with the universe began in the sprawling gardens of his childhood home, under the expansive Indian sky. “My mother introduced me to the stars,” he shares, reflecting on the evenings spent tracing constellations. It’s this celestial curiosity that propelled him from dreaming of moon colonies to leading the construction of the SKAO, an international endeavour set to redefine our understanding of the universe. Bose has been an international advisor to several governments across world in delivering critical facilities. “Building difficult things in unusual places on Earth”, has pretty much been my passion” he mentioned.

India’s Stellar Role

The SKAO, an unprecedented global collaboration, aims to build the world’s largest radio telescope. With India’s recent entry into the project, Bose feels a profound connection to the mission. “India’s dedication to astronomical research is crucial for the SKAO,” he states, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in the project’s software and planning phases & its integration to the supercomputing technology which the project will use. Amongst some recent involvement, India successfully completed delivery of 350,000 meters of high voltage cables for the telescope construction.

(High Voltage cables from India which will power up the SKAO LOW Telescope- Pictures from MRO site, with Kaushik)

Unravelling Cosmic Mysteries

What excites Bose the most about the SKAO’s potential is the quest to answer age-old questions about our universe. “We’re on the brink of potentially detecting signals from distant civilizations,” he marvels, contemplating the impact of such discoveries on our understanding of existence. It’s a testament to human curiosity and the unyielding desire to explore the unknown.

A Monumental Endeavor

Describing the SKAO’s scale, Bose draws an awe-inspiring picture: “Imagine fitting over 200 Eden Gardens within our project’s expanse.” The project’s infrastructure, sprawling across vast deserts, is a beacon of human ambition and ingenuity. The network of cables alone could circle the Earth multiple times, a physical manifestation of the project’s global reach and its boundless aspirations.

Challenges of Cosmic Proportions

Constructing in the Murchison desert’s radio-quiet zone comes with its unique set of challenges, from stringent electromagnetic compliance to the logistical hurdles of coordinating a global team. But for Bose, who has built infrastructure in some of the world’s most remote locales, these challenges are just another puzzle to solve on the path to unlocking the universe’s secrets.

A Heart Anchored in India

Despite his global journey, Bose’s heart remains firmly rooted in India. “The connection to my homeland remains strong,” he asserts, expressing a desire to contribute to India’s burgeoning scientific landscape. His work, though spanning continents, always circles back to the serene landscapes of his birthplace.

Inspiring Future Generations

Bose’s message to the youth is clear: let curiosity lead the way. His transition from an architect of buildings to an architect of the stars is a narrative of passion and perseverance. “The future belongs to those bold enough to chase their dreams,” he encourages, envisioning a world where the next generation reaches even further into the cosmos.

A New Perspective on Our Place in the Universe

In contemplating the current era, Bose sees a parallel with historical moments of great innovation. Exploring space, he believes, offers new solutions and insights, potentially addressing some of our most pressing challenges. It’s a perspective that reiterates the importance of looking beyond our immediate surroundings, towards the vastness of space, for answers.

As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Kaushik Bose is not just building the world’s most advanced radio telescope; he’s laying the foundation for a future where the mysteries of the universe are within our grasp. The story of Kaushik stands out as one of the many bright talents India is putting up on the global stage.