Scientific data flow and array simulation analysis for the SKA1 era

After years of planning for the next generation of radio telescopes, the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), construction of SKA phase one (SKA1) started in July 2021. After the formal operation of SKA1, it is expected that 710 petabytes of scientifically processed data will be generated every year. The data will be stored at SKA regional centers around the world for further analysis by scholars. This paper quantitatively analyzes the models of the SKA observation station, central signal processor, scientific data processing, and regional center. The data flow evaluation at each stage and the demand for the computing power of scientific data processing are obtained based on the high-priority scientific observation of SKA1. Taking the current SKA1-low and SKA1-mid arrays as examples, the key factors affecting interference array layout, including resolution, sensitivity, and ultraviolet coverage, are summarized. Finally, OSKAR is used to simulate data from interference arrays. The scalability and stability of the system are determined using the SKA1-mid simulation. It can be seen from the simulation of SKA1-low on CSRC-P that the design of the prototype SKA regional center in China has been fully optimized. In addition, the detailed requirements of computing power and the detailed information on data volume are obtained. The SKA's demand for data processing, computing, and storage necessitates a combination of technologies and interdisciplinary efforts from fields such as electronics, communication, information technology, and computer.