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Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) is poised to embark on the development of science and technology in Indonesia with the construction of the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Global Observing System (VGOS) radio telescope at Bosscha Observatory. This strategic initiative underscores ITB’s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s position in astronomy and related disciplines.
The construction is being carried out in collaboration with the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory-Chinese Academy of Sciences (SHAO-CAS). This partnership marks a significant step in enhancing international cooperation and technology transfer in astronomy.
The VGOS radio telescope is designed to meet international standards and has various functions beyond astronomy, including geodesy, data science, telecommunications, and software engineering. With these diverse functionalities, VGOS will open up broader and deeper research opportunities for Indonesian scientists and serve as a hub for innovation and education.
According to Prof Dr Taufiq Hidayat, DEA, Head of the Partnership Bureau at ITB, this telescope will be integrated into a global network involving many other radio telescopes worldwide. Previously, the VLBI network has been concentrated in the northern hemisphere. The presence of the VGOS telescope at the equator, such as at Bosscha Observatory, will fill a gap and strengthen this network.
There is only one radio telescope station located in Brazil around the equator. Indonesia’s strategic position at the equator will bridge the baseline between the northern and southern hemispheres, making it a crucial contribution to the international radio telescope network. This will open the door for various multidisciplinary collaborations in the future.
VGOS is a global network of radio telescopes that operate synchronously to observe cosmic radio sources with high precision. By combining data from several telescopes scattered worldwide, VGOS can accurately measure the distances between telescope points. A critical application of this technology is in measuring continental drift. Through this technology, the movement of continents over a certain period can be monitored with high accuracy, allowing for early detection of geological hazards.
VGOS’s ability to measure the movement of points on the Earth’s surface also allows for creating very accurate reference frames, precise time standards, and climate change monitoring. This is crucial in understanding Earth’s dynamics and mitigating natural disasters.
The presence of the VGOS radio telescope at Bosscha Observatory represents a precious long-term investment for Indonesia. This telescope will strengthen Indonesia’s position on the global astronomy map and become a valuable asset for education, research, and innovation. Through this facility, Indonesia can enhance the quality of astronomical research, attract international scientists, and build a reputation as a leading research centre in the Asia-Oceania region.
Additionally, VGOS has significant potential in the development of telecommunications technology. With interferometry technology, the data collected by this telescope can be used to improve precision in various communication applications. This opens opportunities for developing new technologies in satellite communication and data networks, which are crucial for the future of global telecommunications.
In the context of education, VGOS will be an extraordinary learning resource for students and young researchers in Indonesia. Direct access to this advanced technology will enable them to engage in high-level research projects, expand their horizons, and develop the skills needed in scientific and technological research.
The construction of the VGOS radio telescope at Bosscha Observatory is a monumental step in the history of Indonesian astronomy. It is not just about building a physical facility but also about capacity building, strengthening international partnerships, and increasing Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global scientific arena. With VGOS, Indonesia is ready to embrace a bright future in science and technology and make significant contributions to the advancement of global astronomy.
Through this project, ITB demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and creating a broad positive impact on society. The VGOS telescope at Bosscha Observatory symbolises Indonesia’s high aspirations to pursue excellence and make science a fundamental pillar of national development.
