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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.

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).