Targeting science availability at a better cost

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory target for its Mid Telescope science availability is high (§2). It emphasises quality of delivery and can drive high operating & maintenance cost. There is substantial evidence that indicates that the physical well-being of any asset and the financial cost to keep such an asset in its operational well-being are interrelated, and keeping any asset operating efficiently requires efficient and cost-effective maintenance. This paper describes the observatory acquisition and operations establishment approach for realising SKA Observatory Mid Telescope science availability at optimised cost. It shares interim results, challenges and focus areas for SKA-Mid Telescope Construction and Operations establishment. It provides insight in SKA engineering operations collaboration with science operations, the SKA-Mid Acquisition Project, Mission Assurance, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) Management towards this objective.