PROJECT

Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Modernization – Phase 4

Project name: Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Modernization – Phase 4


Project no. 1.1.1.2/1/25/I/005


Project acronym: RKM2


Project implementation period: 01.11.2025. - 31.01.2028


Funding sources: European Regional Development Fund (85%), State budget funding (15%)


Project funding: Total EUR 422,673, ERDF funding: EUR359,272.05, State budget funding: EUR 63,400.9


The aim of the project: The purpose of the project is to support the creation, improvement and development of the research infrastructure of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Institute of Engineering "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" (VSRC), promoting the development of the center of excellence in three areas of Latvia's Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) - Knowledge-intensive bioeconomy, Biomedicine, Photonics and smart materials, Smart energy and mobility, Information and communication technologies (ICT). The implementation of this project is a continuation of previous EU structural funds and state investments, strengthening VSRC as a center of excellence of national importance with a modern and sustainable scientific infrastructure.


Main activities: The project envisages the modernization of the radio telescope complex, expanding its research capabilities, improving safety and compliance with international scientific requirements.


The project will purchase and install modern equipment, including new receivers and data processing technologies (GPU cards, servers), as well as expand the high-performance computing cluster (HPC). Data streaming and formatting will be improved to meet the increasing demands of VLBI observations and CERN Tier-2 data centers. Thus, the project will provide an opportunity for VSRC to strengthen its participation in international research and attract highly qualified researchers.


Project results: The main problems addressed by the project are the low reception efficiency of the RT-32 radio telescope, insufficient data processing capacity, outdated receiver equipment and limited opportunities for international cooperation with leading networks such as EVN and JIV-ERIC. Modernization measures will make it possible to increase the reception efficiency from ~35% to 50-60%, expand the frequency range to 22 GHz, provide anti-corrosion protection, as well as improve work safety by building safety traps.


Contacts: Project manager – Baiba Reimane, baiba.reimane@venta.lv


The project is implemented under the European Union Cohesion Policy Program 2021-2027. for the year 1.1.1. of the specific support objective "Strengthening research and innovation capacity and introduction of advanced technologies in the common R&D system" 1.1.1.2. within the framework of the "RIS3 research and innovation centers" event.

Project News

Accomplishments of the Project "Modernization of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Phase 4"

By Rota Žagare • July 20, 2026
The Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre" (VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) continues to develop its research infrastructure by implementing the project "Modernization of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Phase 4" (Project No. 1.1.1.2/1/25/I/005), funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with co-financing from the Latvian state budget. The goal of the project is to enhance VIRAC as a centre of excellence of national importance with modern and sustainable scientific infrastructure. Several significant procurements and activities have been carried out as part of the project. To ensure the storage of large volumes of radio astronomy observation data, new hard drives with double the capacity were purchased using project funding for the Irbene Flexbuff data server. The Flexbuff server is used to store radio astronomy observation (typically VLBI) data. The previous data storage capacity was no longer sufficient, as both the transmission speed of observation data and the overall data volume have grown significantly in recent years. The new drives will ensure compliance with the increasing storage requirements of the EVN and CERN Tier-2. A contract has been concluded for the procurement of a six-wheeled ATV (quad bike) and its equipment. Such a mobile vehicle makes it possible to transport and test antenna, mobile satellite communication, unmanned, and floating equipment control and immunity solutions in motion. The vehicle is capable of transporting and testing research equipment in motion across the antenna complex's territory of more than 70 hectares, including forest and marsh conditions. Providing such equipment is essential for the developed systems to reach a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) under real-world conditions. The engineering systems developed as a result of the research and tested with this vehicle have high dual-use potential. In May 2026, a MIG/MAG semi-automatic welding machine with the necessary peripherals and a set of materials suitable for welding aluminum and its alloys was purchased. The equipment is required for manufacturing feed systems for the RT-32 and RT-16 radio telescopes in order to expand their reception bands and promote new radio astronomical observations. As part of the modernization project, a procurement for the photogrammetry and alignment of the RT-32 radio telescope antenna surface will soon be concluded to improve surface accuracy, sensitivity, and performance at higher frequencies. Currently, the efficiency of the RT-32 antenna reaches only 35–38%, and in the highest frequency bands, it is even lower, making observations practically impossible. Photogrammetric measurements will make it possible to precisely determine the necessary position corrections for each primary mirror panel and adjust the panel mountings accordingly, reducing antenna surface error. Following the antenna surface alignment, the sensitivity, measurement accuracy, and observation capabilities of the radio telescope will improve significantly across all operating frequency bands. Taking into account that on December 15, 2025, a positive decision was received from the European Commission regarding amendments to the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027, granting flexibility funding for its implementation, contract amendments for the project "Modernization of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Phase 4" were signed in July of this year. An additional EUR 79,151 was allocated, of which 85% is ERDF funding and 15% is Latvian state budget co-financing. With the additional funding granted, further procurements are planned within the project for the development of VIRAC's research infrastructure: purchase and installation of spare asynchronous electric motors and their control systems required to ensure the sustainability of the motor drives for the RT-32 and RT-16 radio telescopes; purchase of systems necessary to ensure the sustainability of the RF chain and control systems for the RT-32 and RT-16 radio telescopes; and the purchase of a portable handheld vector network analyzer with a bandwidth of at least up to 26.5 GHz. The EU financial support received under the project "Modernization of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Phase 4" (No. 1.1.1.2/1/25/I/005) strengthens VIRAC's capacity to conduct high-quality radio astronomical observations and develop new, dual-use research competencies, while ensuring the sustainability and international competitiveness of the Irbene Radiotelescope Complex. Prepared by: Arita Rubīna Public Relations Specialist for the Project

VUAS Launches Fourth Modernization Phase of the Irbene Radio Telescope Complex

By Rota Žagare • March 30, 2026
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) has been awarded EU funding to carry out the fourth modernization phase of the Radio Telescope Complex in Irbene, strengthening Latvia's capacity for cutting-edge scientific research and international collaboration. The project " Irbene Radiotelescope Complex Modernization – Phase 4 " (Project No. 1.1.1.2/1/25/I/005), is financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with a total eligible budget of €422,673 EUR. Of this, €359,272.05 (85%) comes from ERDF funding and €63,400.95 (15%) from state co-financing. The project will be implemented over 27 months, from November 2025 till and of the year 2027. Upgrading a National Scientific Landmark The Irbene Radio Telescope Complex, operated by VUAS's Engineering Institute – the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) – is a unique scientific facility of national, Baltic, and international significance. Located in Ance Parish, Ventspils County, the complex houses the RT-32 radio telescope, one of the most powerful instruments of its kind in Northern Europe. Despite previous modernization phases, the RT-32 telescope currently operates at approximately 35% reception efficiency – a performance level that limits its competitiveness within the European VLBI Network (EVN). Outdated receiver equipment, limited data processing capacity, and infrastructure wear further constrain its scientific potential. The fourth modernization phase directly addresses these challenges through targeted investments in: RT-32 antenna surface calibration to raise reception efficiency to 50–60% and expand the frequency range up to 22 GHz L/S-band cryogenic receiver system acquisition High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster expansion with new server nodes and GPU cards to support VLBI observations and CERN Tier-2 data processing Computer hardware and workstation upgrades for scientific staff Hard disk (HDD) server storage expansion Waveguide component kit for RF equipment development and testing He compressor system and dry air generator for receiver maintenance Six-wheel ATV for mobile antenna testing in off-road conditions MIG/MAG semi-automatic welding system for infrastructure maintenance Surface sensing of RT-32 radio telescope Expanding Latvia's Role in European Science The modernization will allow VIRAC to fully participate as a competitive partner in leading international research networks, including: European VLBI Network (EVN) – a pan-European network of 20+ radio telescopes Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC (JIV-ERIC) – the European research infrastructure consortium coordinating continent-wide VLBI projects LOFAR ERIC – a next-generation low-frequency radio astronomy network CERN Tier-2 Data Centre – a global particle physics data computing grid This project is a continuation of our long-term commitment to positioning Latvia as a meaningful partner in European research. Modernizing the telescope complex ensures that our scientists can work with world-class tools, attract international talent, and contribute to breakthrough discoveries. Strategic Importance for Latvia's Smart Specialisation The project directly supports Latvia's Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3), contributing to multiple priority areas: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): HPC expansion, GPU-based machine learning infrastructure, and data streaming improvements Photonics and Smart Technologies: Waveguide component development and RF equipment testing Knowledge-Intensive Bioeconomy: Space-based remote sensing for precision agriculture and forest inventory Smart Energy and Mobility: Satellite-to-ground communication technology testing The telescope complex also contributes to civil protection and crisis management through its radio frequency sensing and satellite communication capabilities. The project is implemented under the European Union Cohesion Policy Program 2021-2027. for the year 1.1.1. of the specific support objective "Strengthening research and innovation capacity and introduction of advanced technologies in the common R&D system" 1.1.1.2. within the framework of the "RIS3 research and innovation centers" event. Prepared by project manager: Baiba Reimane