On Wednesday (July 9, 2025), a big
lift operation was carried out to install the main component of the
telescope—an 85-ton antenna—using a crane. This marks the final structural
phase of the construction project. The installation was accompanied by a
collective prayer. With this component in place, the total height of the VGOS
telescope structure now reaches 19 meters.
VGOS is a global network of radio
telescopes that operate synchronously to observe cosmic radio sources with high
precision. By combining data from multiple telescopes around the world, the
system enables accurate measurement of distances between points on Earth. Among
its applications are monitoring continental drift—including measuring their
speed and changes in distance over time. The telescope can also detect movement
of points on Earth’s surface, establish highly accurate reference frames,
provide precise time standards, and monitor potential impacts of climate
change.
The construction of Indonesia’s
first radio telescope is a result of a collaborative partnership between ITB
and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) – Chinese Academy of Sciences
(CAS). This initiative falls under a broader cooperation framework between
Indonesia and China, established through the Cooperation Plan Between the
Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of the People’s
Republic of China on Jointly Promoting Cooperation within the Framework of the
Global Maritime Fulcrum and the Belt and Road Initiative, signed on
November 16, 2022.
Dr. Hesti Retno Tri Wulandari,
S.Si., M.Si., the Head of the VGOS Radio Telescope Development and Bosscha
Observatory Tower Implementation Team, expressed her gratitude to the former
ITB Rector (2020–2025), Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., the current Rector,
Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., and all parties who have supported
the development of this project. “Hopefully, we can bring about a more
advanced, impactful, and meaningful future for astronomy,” she said.
She added that the installation
of the antenna disc marks the culmination of the VGOS Radio Telescope tower
construction at the Bosscha Observatory.
Over a century ago, the Bosscha Observatory was
founded. At the time, it was one of only three observatories in the Southern
Hemisphere. “Throughout its history, this observatory has significantly
contributed to the study of the southern skies. Today, Bosscha holds the status
of a national vital object, a national cultural heritage site, and is located
in a strategic national area—making its institutional significance
extraordinary. Now, we are fortunate to be given the opportunity to make
history once again with the introduction of this new instrument, the
VGOS,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Prof. Taufiq Hidayat,
Ph.D., the Coordinator of the VGOS Radio Telescope Collaboration between ITB
and SHAO, emphasized the importance of the big lift phase.
“This is a critical milestone. ITB has dedicated some of its best
resources to realize this facility, which is expected to benefit researchers,
ITB students, and both domestic and international partners,” he said.
The VGOS telescope at Bosscha
will serve as a strategic node located along the equatorial eastern
longitude—complementing the global telescope network that remains largely
concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere. This position will enhance the
baseline for global observation, bridging the Northern and Southern
Hemispheres. The telescope will be integrated with others already operating in
the United States, China, Japan, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Australia, South
Africa, Norway, Finland, Thailand, Portugal, and Brazil.
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Following the antenna
installation, the next steps will involve completing the architectural, civil
engineering, mechanical, and electrical components—leading up to astronomical
and geodetic commissioning in the near future.
The VGOS telescope at Bosscha
will be equipped with a GNSS receiver, a weather station, and a holometry
antenna, enabling multidisciplinary research spanning from radio astronomy to
tectonic plate dynamics. ITB is also collaborating on data centers with international
institutions such as TU Wien, TU Munich, SHAO, and KASI, while exploring a
potential role as a correlation center for VLBI data processing.
As part of the global
International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS) network, ITB is
currently registering the VGOS Bosscha station with the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva under the name “ITB Bosscha VLBI
Station.” This step marks Indonesia’s official integration into the
international geodetic observation community. ITB also aims to strengthen
collaboration with other regional and global networks, such as the East Asian
VLBI Network (EAVN), the Asia-Oceania VLBI Group (AOV), and the European VLBI
Network (EVN).
