Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre Celebrates 30 Years

November 7, 2024

This year, the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of continuous activity in the fields of radio astronomy, space technology and communication. VIRAC - a research institute at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) stands as one of the leading scientific institutions in Northern Europe, specializing in space technology, radio astronomy and large aperture antenna operations.


Since its establishment in 1994, VIRAC has grown into a prominent research and technology center that not only conducts internationally recognized scientific research but also contributes to technological innovation and raises Latvia's profile on the global stage. Equipped with world-class radio astronomy facilities — including two large aperture antennas (RT-32 and RT-16), a low frequency antenna array – LOFAR and electronics & RF, signal processing, cryogenics as well as mechanical engineering laboratories and workshops — VIRAC enables high-precision observations that are vital to both Latvian and international scientific communities.


VUAS Rector Andris Vaivads reflects on VIRAC’s journey:


"Light from the Moon takes 1 second to reach us, from the Sun 8 minutes, from Jupiter on average 45 minutes (the length of an academic hour). The center of our galaxy is 26,000 light-years away. Space is vast and endlessly fascinating! For example, the brightest star in the constellation of Gemini, Pollux, is 33 light-years away. The light we see from Pollux today left the star in 1991, the same year Latvia regained its independence. At that time, many of today's VIRAC scientists and engineers were still in kindergarten or had not yet been born. VIRAC itself was founded in 1994, inheriting the large 32- and 16-meter diameter antennas from the Soviet Army. VIRAC made a huge leap forward, renovating these antennas until 2015. In 2019, VIRAC took another major step forward, adding a football-field-sized LOFAR antenna array. Today, VIRAC is expanding into the fields of defense and deep space communications. All of this progress has been achieved thanks to the selfless and dedicated work of the VIRAC team, as well as the support of the Ventspils City Municipality and the trust of the Latvian Government in the VIRAC team. So much has happened during the 33-year journey of light from Pollux to Earth. Want to find Pollux... or a black hole? Just ask the VIRAC researchers!"

Today, the Irbene antenna site is connected to international radio telescope networks. Together with their international colleagues, VIRAC scientists are conducting research on a wide range of topics, from the near-Earth ionosphere, the Sun, and Jupiter, to the farthest reaches of space where star formation occurs, as well as active galactic nuclei, pulsar, maser  and other cosmic phenomena observations are being carried out. These studies are based on data collected by the Irbene antenna infrastructure, yet some rely on theoretical and numerical calculations or data from other telescopes, sensors and networks.

The Irbene antenna site is truly unique: Extremely low RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) levels, providing cleaner data for scientific research. The largest radio telescope in Northern Europe — the 32-meter RT-32. The presence of multiple radio telescopes at a single location, enabling local interferometric measurements and simultaneous observations in multiple frequency bands and other advantages.


Looking to the future, VIRAC aims to connect the large aperture antennas to an international deep space communications network, marking a significant milestone in creating synergies between radio astronomy and space communication industry. The first communication sessions with Lunar space probes and relays  are eagerly anticipated. With its world-class infrastructure and dedicated team, VIRAC holds enormous potential for further development. However, the next generation of scientists and engineers will be crucial to realizing this potential in the coming decades. Training and supporting these future experts is a top priority.

As VUAS Rector Andris Vaivads emphasizes:

"Through Irbene to the stars!"




Mārcis Donerblics, Director of VIRAC, shared his reflections on the center's 30-year journey:


"Looking back at the past 30 years of VIRAC, starting from July 19, 1994, when Latvia took over the Irbene antenna complex and, a few days later, founded the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, I am amazed by the many challenges and milestones that has been faced to transform the antenna site in a globally competitive facility it is today! From taking over, protecting, and maintaining the site, to building utilities, restoring antenna pointing capabilities, renovating, developing, and becoming members of the European VLBI Network (EVN), we have come a long way. We established the LOFAR station, collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA), and built a partnership with the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). None of this would have been possible without external support, but, just as importantly, it was the selfless dedication and creativity of our colleagues that allowed us to make the Irbene antenna site based services and science accessible to the Latvian, Baltic, Nordic, European, and global communities. These efforts have also ensured that future generations will have access to these valuable instruments here in Latvia. For all of this, I am immensely grateful and proud."


Share on other platforms

Other news

Initiative for Space Weather Investigations 2025

By Rota Rulle • May 22, 2025
BLU 2025 - workshop of the Bulgaria – Latvia – Ukraine Initiative for Space Weather Investigations June 2-6, 2025 Primorsko, Bulgaria

A delegation from the Norwegian space industry visited VUAS

By Rota Rulle • May 22, 2025
Last week, a delegation from the Norwegian space industry visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre. The delegation included representatives from nine Norwegian companies and organizations. The visit was organized by Austris Keišs, Director of Export Promotion in Norway at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA). Among the visitors was Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Norway’s largest defense manufacturing company, which produces advanced defense, aviation, and space systems, including combat management solutions and remote weapon stations, as well as developing air defense systems and missile technologies for various military applications. The company also offers maritime systems such as autonomous and remote-controlled solutions for naval forces. Also visiting Ventspils was Space Norway, one of Norway's leading satellite and space infrastructure companies; PaleBlue, a company that offers spaceflight simulations; Spectrum Blue, which uses quantum technologies to develop and produce next-generation materials used in healthcare and sustainability sectors, as well as digital decision-support systems for building management. Other visitors included Inventas, a leading Norwegian design and innovation company; Rocket Grace Group, which organizes Spaceport Norway, one of the largest space conferences in the Nordic countries; and startup Nava Space, which plans to manufacture next-generation space suits designed for extreme environmental conditions by combining artificial intelligence solutions with smart materials. The visit also included representatives from the University of Oslo, the engineering research foundation Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, and the Norwegian Industrial Forum for Space Activities (NIFRO). During the visit, the delegation toured the VIRAC and VUAS electronics laboratories. VUAS Rector Andris Vaivads gave a presentation introducing the activities of both VUAS and VIRAC. According to Austris Keišs, Head of the LIAA representative office in Norway, the goal of the visit was “to promote cooperation in the space industry between Latvia and Norway and to integrate Latvian companies into international projects and supply chains, positioning Latvia as an attractive investment destination for Norwegian companies.” VSRC Director Mārcis Donerblics assessed the visit as productive: “We were pleased that the Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia, Ine Måreng, who is a strong supporter of the space sector, also joined the visit. The visit was doubly effective because both the political and industrial sectors were represented,” said Donerblics. “Of course, we took the opportunity to exchange contacts with representatives from various institutions, and with several, we agreed to continue the dialogue in one-on-one meetings. It’s too early to mention specific examples, but we are interested in topics like telecommunications, satellite communication antenna systems, and student exchange opportunities.” Donerblics also reminded that VIRAC already has a strategic partnership with the Swedish Space Corporation and that there is a solid basis to hope for broader partnerships among the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Guest lecture by the Head of the Culture and Press Section of the German Embassy

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
On 15th of May, students of the Faculty of Translation Studies had the opportunity to attend a guest lecture about German-Latvian cooperation, embassy work and diplomatic protocol. The guest lecture was given by Christopher Grounau, Head of the Cultural and Press Section of the German Embassy, and Nataļja Buinicka, graduate of VUAS’ bachelor and master study programme in translation. At the beginning of the day, the visitors were welcomed by the 3rd year students of the translation bachelor study programme; the students gave them a short tour of the University and told them about the daily life of students and about the VUAS in general. During the guest lecture, the Embassy representatives told the students of the Faculty of Translation Studies about the work of the Embassy, its structure and responsibilties of specific units, shared some aspects of their daily duties, and answered questions asked by students. Matīss Jansons and Elēna Šatrovska, 3rd year students of the bachelor study programme Translation, Interpreting and Language Technology shared their impressions of the tour and the guest lecture: Matīss said: "Until now, I had no idea how close and diverse the cooperation between Latvia and Germany actually is. It was interesting to hear how much attention and support they give to cultural projects that really bring our countries closer together. I used to think that diplomacy was all about fine suits, empty speeches and champagne at events, but today I realised that there is much more to it. It's a lively, dynamic environment where every day is different, and behind it all, there's people who do exciting and important work.” Elena also shared: “It was a wonderful opportunity not only to learn how the Embassy works from the point of view of insiders, how diplomatic meetings are organised, where so many details need attention, but also to meet the people who make the Embassy run smoothly. Moreover, meeting them in person allowed me to see the human perspective of their work making it more understandable, not as something idealised, complicated and unachievable.” Event organized by the lecturer of the VUAS Egita Proveja. Information prepared by the students of the bachelor study programme Translation, Interpreting and Language Technology.

European Space Agency Mission “Comet Interceptor” Applies Comet Models Developed in Latvia

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
Through collaboration between Latvian technology company Nanocraft SIA, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, and the Tartu Observatory, the photo-realistic modelling project “CI3D” has been successfully delivered to the European Space Agency (ESA). The project activities have produced computer-generated images used for testing the cameras of ESA’s “Comet Interceptor” mission. Since the mission, scheduled for the early 2030s, will approach a still-unknown target comet—its trajectory from the Oort cloud towards the Sun currently too distant to observe with telescopes—photo-realistic images are needed to validate the mission’s cameras.

Literary Translation Workshop at the VUAS Library with Poet Linda Mence

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
On May 7, the second- and third-year students of the study program “Translation, Interpreting and Language Technologies” participated in a literary translation workshop at the VUAS Library. The event was led by poet, translator, and editor Linda Mence and attended by students with a particular interest in literature and literary translation. The main theme of the workshop was the voice embodied in the text. This voice can belong to an author or translator, although the translator’s voice usually plays a symbolic role. At the beginning, Linda Mence introduced the audience to the questions that should be asked before starting a translation, such as: “Identity – who is the speaker?”, “What are the lexical layers and the emotions conveyed by the words?” Students read several texts – poems and story excerpts – and expressed their opinions during discussions in order to reach a common understanding. They also translated texts from English into Latvian to explore the nuances of literary translation. The poet and translator also shared her experience of translating various works and spoke about “absolute language pitch”, which is comparable to absolute musical pitch and is just as undeniably a great talent. Moreover, this sensitivity can be developed by reading works of various genres and authors from different time periods. However, translation should begin with shorter forms – essays and short stories. Two third-year students, Ilze Jaunzeme and Natālija Dolgova, shared their feedback on the event. Ilze said: “Once again, I was reminded that translating expressive texts is not an easy task. What I really liked was that it felt more like a conversation with a like-minded person – a colleague who is genuinely interested, listens freely and curiously to all ideas, and offers suggestions. This event was incredibly valuable; I hope no one loses interest and that more of these workshops will follow.” Meanwhile, Natālija commented: “I truly enjoyed how heartfelt this event was. Linda Mence explained very clearly and engagingly the aspects that must be considered when translating literature. She didn’t just lecture – she actively involved the audience, and I believe that the exchange and weighing of different translation options taught us more than if we had simply listened.”  The event was organized by the Dean of the Faculty of Translation Studies at VUAS, the Ventspils International Writers’ and Translators’ House, and the VUAS Library.

VUAS Culture Day: Unveiling the Cultural Iceberg

By Rota Rulle • May 12, 2025
Join us for an insightful and delicious journey around the world at our upcoming Culture Day event! On May 21st at 4:30 PM in the VUAS student lounge D0, students from Turkey, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, China, and India will take you on a fascinating exploration of their unique cultures, inspired by the concept of the Cultural Iceberg. Just like an iceberg, there's so much more to a culture than what meets the eye. Our presenters will go beyond the familiar tourist sights and delve into the deeper, often unseen aspects of their heritage. Prepare to: Savor authentic flavors: Taste traditional dishes prepared with love by our student representatives. It's a culinary adventure you won't want to miss! Uncover hidden depths: Through engaging presentations, discover the values, beliefs, and customs that truly shape each culture. Navigate cultural nuances: Learn about intriguing taboos and gain a better understanding of potential cultural misunderstandings. Challenge stereotypes: Engage in open discussions and hear firsthand perspectives that break down common misconceptions. This is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of our global community right here at VUAS. Don't miss this chance to: Expand your cultural intelligence. Make new friends and connections. Enjoy delicious international food. Participate in thought-provoking discussions.  Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 21st at 4:30 PM and head to the VUAS student lounge D0 . Let's explore the fascinating depths of culture together! We look forward to seeing you there!
Other news