SKA Telescope Deal Fuels Atos' HPC Ambitions, Showcases Data Storage Demands

NEW YORK, NY – November 14, 2025

Unlocking the Universe: The SKA Project and Its Data Demands

The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is poised to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, and a recent contract awarded to Atos’ Eviden brand underscores the critical role of high-performance computing in realizing this ambition. The deal, securing Eviden as the provider of the Science Data Processing Centre (SDP) computing infrastructure for the SKA-Low and SKA-Mid radio telescopes in Australia and South Africa, signifies a leap forward in the capability needed to handle the torrent of data generated by these next-generation instruments. Unlike traditional astronomy, the SKA isn't just about imaging; it seeks to map the universe in unprecedented detail, detect faint signals from the early universe, and even search for signs of extraterrestrial life. This necessitates the processing of data equivalent to over one million 4K Netflix streams – a scale that dwarfs current capabilities.

“The challenge isn’t simply about processing power, it’s about the architecture and the ability to scale,” explains one industry analyst. “The sheer volume, velocity, and variety of data require a fundamentally different approach than traditional scientific computing.” This isn't a case of simply throwing more processors at the problem; it requires highly efficient algorithms, specialized hardware, and innovative data management strategies.

Atos/Eviden Steps Up: A Strategic Win in HPC

For Atos, the SKAO contract is a major win, solidifying its position as a key player in the increasingly competitive high-performance computing (HPC) market. Eviden will provide scalable computing units built on Intel hardware, coupled with robust storage solutions from Data Direct Networks (DDN) and system-level software. This highlights Eviden's ability to deliver complex, end-to-end solutions for extremely data-intensive applications. The company’s experience in building and operating large-scale computing infrastructure, coupled with its focus on advanced technologies like liquid cooling and energy efficiency, made it a strong contender for the contract.

“This win is particularly significant given the current landscape,” states a source familiar with the deal. “The HPC market is fiercely competitive, and securing a contract of this magnitude demonstrates Eviden’s technical capabilities and its commitment to innovation.” The project also provides Eviden with a valuable opportunity to showcase its expertise and build a long-term partnership with the SKAO. Furthermore, the contract aligns with France’s strategic investment in HPC and its ambition to become a leader in the field. The planned acquisition of Atos' Advanced Computing business by the French government further underlines this commitment.

The Storage Challenge: DDN's Role in Handling Exabyte-Scale Data

The SKA project’s data demands are not solely about processing power; the storage requirements are equally daunting. The telescopes are expected to archive over 700 petabytes of data annually, necessitating a robust and scalable storage infrastructure. This is where Data Direct Networks (DDN) comes in. DDN, a specialist in high-performance storage solutions, will provide the storage infrastructure for the SDP, leveraging its expertise in handling exabyte-scale datasets.

“Traditional storage systems simply wouldn’t be able to cope with the SKA’s data throughput requirements,” explains a storage industry expert. “DDN’s solutions are designed for these kinds of extreme workloads, offering the bandwidth, capacity, and reliability needed to ensure data integrity and accessibility.” The partnership between Eviden and DDN showcases the importance of collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of modern scientific computing.

International Collaboration and the Future of Astronomy

The SKAO project is a truly international endeavor, involving contributions from numerous countries around the world. France's recent accession to the SKAO, though pending final parliamentary ratification, underscores its commitment to global scientific collaboration. This collaborative spirit is essential for tackling the complex challenges of astronomy and unlocking the secrets of the universe. The SKA’s success will not only advance our understanding of the cosmos but also foster innovation in areas such as data science, computing, and engineering.

“The SKA isn't just about building telescopes; it's about building a global community of scientists and engineers,” says one astrophysicist involved in the project. “It’s about sharing knowledge, collaborating on research, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.” As the SKA project progresses, it promises to deliver groundbreaking discoveries and transform our understanding of the universe. The contract awarded to Atos’ Eviden represents a crucial step forward in realizing this ambitious vision.