TWO County Durham engineering firms have won contracts to provide technology for one of the world’s largest astronomy projects.

DPE Automotive and Durham Precision Engineering, both based in Newton Aycliffe, have been awarded work on the Square Kilometre Array (Ska) project.

The seven-year project will deliver the biggest radio telescope in history, in a bid to unlock the secrets of the universe by looking deeper into space than ever before.

The £1.26bn Ska project will include about 3,000 dishes, each 15m wide, spread over thousands of kilometres to simulate a giant radio telescope.

Astronomers and engineers from more than 70 institutes in 20 countries are designing the installation, which will be built in either Australia or southern Africa, with a decision on its location to be taken next year.

Ska will be 50 times more sensitive and 10,000 faster than any current radio telescope – and will need its own version of a new internet to process the vast amount of data it will record.

Durham Precision Engineering has supplied components for trials in Manchester, while the final design will likely involve the two County Durham businesses working together to supply volume parts for the dense array system.

DPE’s business development manager, Geoff Mason said: “Having been involved with the Ska team from day one, it is well understood that we need to design and manufacture tools and processes for special components that will both meet the demands of the harsh environment that they will encounter and at the right price.”

Mr Mason encouraged other firms in the region to bid for work on the project.

He said: “It is definitely worth North-East firms trying to get involved in the project.

“Once companies get to understand what the project’s requirements are, they can develop what they need, although it can take time.”

The Ska project will be discussed at the photovoltaic technology conference, Solar Flair 10, this week.

Phil Crosby, manager of Ska’s industry participation strategy at its UK office in Manchester, will explain the technological and energy demands of the project.

Mr Crosby will also outline the potential for other firms in the region to win contracts.

He said: “There are going to be opportunities to be involved, although it’s early days.

“Large contracts aren’t going to be coming out for a couple of years yet, and we are still in the design and cost phase, but yes, there are opportunities.”

Solar Flair 10 has been organised by County Durham Development Company and will be held at Lumley Castle, County Durham, on Wednesday and Thursday.

Tickets for the event are available from solarflair10.com