Very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) application to detect objects in near and far space

July 20, 2021

From December 2020, Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) is implementing the scientific project “The application of the forward scatter radar method for the detection of space objects”, No. lzp-2020 / 2-0101. The project researches, develops and evolves new radar methods with the aim of accurately determining the location positions of asteroids and comets approaching Earth.


One of the tasks of the project is to explore the application of a new and unique radar method based on radio wave scattering. This method is based on the applied effect that occurs when a bright celestial body illuminates the studied body, thus the energy is scattered along the line of sight forward, thus significantly increasing compared to the reflected energy. The developed method allows to detect space objects, regardless of its shape, material and radiation intensity. The “through-scattering” location method is implemented by combining radar VLBI technology and the scattering effect of electromagnetic radiation, involving bright space objects as transmitters in observations. By applying this method, the probability of detection of bodies that pose a threat to the Earth can be significantly increased, as well as the method allows to increase the observation distance at which the observation body would be identified.


During the last four months, VIRAC researchers have been working on the detection of space objects using the “through-scattering” location method, thus evaluating the effectiveness of the method in an experimental way. By July 2021, more than 15 experimental sessions were performed using the Irbene radio telescope complex in single station mode and interferometer mode. RT-32 and RT-16 VIRAC radio telescopes (using 32-meter and 16-meter parabolic antennas, respectively) and 1.6 GHz frequency band receivers were used in the experiments. In Figure No.1 the scheme of the experiment is displayed. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) GPS and Galileo satellites were used as radiation sources or transmitters in the experiments. During the experiments, using the “through-scattering” location method, observation lines “transmitter-receiver” (“transmitter” – a specific navigation satellite, “receiver” – Irbene radio telescopes) were created, thus space debris objects of different sizes were identified, as well as an International Space Station with a total geometric area of ​​approximately 400 m2.




Figures No. 2 and No. 3 show one of the results obtained using the interferometer mode and observing a large fragment of space debris while crossing the “transmitter-receiver” location line. Images are shifted sequentially at 30-second intervals. Figure No. 2 shows the result of the observation before the moment when the fragment of the space debris crosses the “transmitter-receiver” location line, but Figure No. 3 shows the signal obtained at the moment when the fragment passes over the “transmitter-receiver” location. The figures show the power spectra of the interferometer signal, on the x-axis – frequency (Hz), on the y-axis – time (s) and on the z-axis – power in relative units. Two signals can be clearly distinguished from the obtained results: a signal with a slowly changing frequency, which represents the radiation of the satellite, and a signal, the frequency of which changes rapidly over time, thus representing a fast-flying space debris object.




During the experiments, a successful treatment result was obtained in more than 50% of the object observations, observing debris with different geometric areas, at different distances from the Earth and at different angular distances from the location line. The analysis of the obtained results will allow to develop recommendations on how to choose the optimal observation mode for various objects, as well as will allow to develop a methodology for detection of space objects with radio location based on the effect of radio wave scattering.


The research is implemented within the Latvian Council of Science Fundamental and Applied Research Project No. lzp-2020 / 2-0101 “The application of the forward scatter radar method for the detection of space objects”.


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Career Day 2025

By Rota Rulle • April 23, 2025
On April 9th, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted Career Day 2025 , uniting high schoolers , university students , educators , and employers for a dynamic day of networking and hands-on experiences .

European Union-funded project “Opticon RadioNet Pilot” concludes at Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (VIRAC)

By Rota Rulle • April 16, 2025
In February of this year, the European Union-funded project “Opticon RadioNet Pilot” No 101004719 (ORP) was successfully concluded at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (VIRAC), part of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, located in Irbene, Latvia. VIRAC is known for its two large radio telescopes – including a 32-meter dish, one of the largest in Northern Europe – which are used to study radio signals from cosmic objects. Given the scale and complexity of space, collaboration has always been essential, and VIRAC has long been involved in international and EU-funded projects. Since 2009, VIRAC has participated in a series of projects under the “RadioNet” umbrella, aimed at strengthening radio astronomy research across Europe by increasing access to facilities, advancing technology, encouraging institutional collaboration, and supporting the growth of young scientists. The ORP project represented the next step, merging the efforts of radio and optical telescope communities into a single coordinated program. By integrating facilities observing across the radio, sub-mm, infrared, and optical wavebands, ORP enabled seamless access for European researchers to an unparalleled array of observatories. With a total budget of €15 million, of which €60,000 was allocated to VIRAC and Ventspils University, the project supported VIRAC’s active participation in multiple scientific and collaborative activities. Among these activities, VIRAC regularly participates in EVN (European VLBI Network) observation sessions, held three times a year, as well as in monthly real-time e-VLBI sessions and EVN-lite observations, which serve as supplementary components to the main EVN observation programme. Participation in these activities has been actively supported and facilitated through the ORP (Opticon RadioNet Pilot) project. Additionally, VIRAC researchers are actively involved in the international scientific community, regularly attending major conferences and participating in training programs and exchange visits at leading European observatories. Activities such as transnational access to European ESFRI and ERIC research facilities, training programs, and support for the astronomical community will continue through one of the most significant outcomes of the ORP project—ACME (Astrophysics Centre for Multi-Messenger Studies in Europe). This new initiative aims to integrate not only optical and radio astronomy but also other branches of astrophysical observation, including gravitational waves, neutrinos, and cosmic rays, fostering a truly multi-messenger approach to astronomy. This project has received funding from the European Union's research and innovation programme HORIZON 2020 under grant agreement No 101004719. Scientific Project Coordinator: Ivars Šmelds ( ivars.smelds@venta.lv ) Administrative Project Manager: Ieva Kozlova ( ieva.kozlova@venta.lv )

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Successfully Concludes International Erasmus+ Project ENDORSE, Receiving Best Practice Evaluation

By Rota Rulle • April 15, 2025
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Unlocking the secrets of the public relations specialists’ profession: an inspiring guest lecture to “Intercultural Communication” students

By Rota Rulle • April 14, 2025
On Wednesday, 9th of April, as part of the “Career Day” event organised by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, students of the Bachelor's study programme “Intercultural Communication” were invited to a guest lecture delivered by Adrija Enrika Ēdele – a graduate of VUAS Master's study programme “Strategic Intercultural Communication”, and a current student of VUAS Master's study programme “Translation of LSP Texts”, a public relations specialist at the North Kurzeme Regional Hospital (Ventspils Hospital). The guest lecture was attended by first, second and third year students of the Bachelor's study programme “Intercultural Communication”. The guest lecturer shared the story of her work experience as a public relations specialist at the Ventspils Hospital, as well as her daily duties, challenges and answered the students' questions. In her presentation, the lecturer talked about planning and organising events, stressing that “'the biggest challenge when planning an event is to make sure that everything is thought of and nothing is forgotten”'. In telling her experience, she emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in emergency situations, acting prudently to avoid making the situation worse. From the guest lecture, students say they have gained an insight into the daily life of the profession by getting to know it better. They were able to see the usefulness of the theories and knowledge taught at the university, get answers to questions about the languages they needed to learn, employer requirements when applying for a job, the differences between the duties of a specialist and a manager as well as the importance of well-written press releases. These types of lectures give students the opportunity to get to know the professions and their responsibilities in real life, which allows everyone to make sure that the chosen profession is suitable for them, and they are also necessary for everyone who is still studying, which is why the “Career Day” event organised at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is the right event for everyone to visit. Translation is made by: “Intercultural Communication” 2nd year student Karīna Ganiņa

VUAS and VIRAC representatives will participate in the largest physics festival in the Baltics

By Rota Rulle • April 3, 2025
At the Elektrum Physics Festival, which will take place on April 12 at the ATTA Center in Riga, young people will be invited to engage in exciting physics discovery activities and explore future professions in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The final of the FIZMIX school knowledge and physics competition will be held for the 30th time during the festival. This will be the fifth edition of the festival, and this year's theme is "Mission: Future." Throughout the day, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, visitors of all ages can participate in creative workshops and experiments that will test both intellectual and physical skills. The event will feature engaging activities presented by science centers from Latvia and Estonia, universities, extracurricular education institutions, companies, and entertainment centers. Each year, the festival is widely attended, with young people and families appreciating the meaningful way to spend their time—last year, it attracted around 4,000 visitors. Science centers and universities, including Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center, will offer various educational and interactive activities. Program: 11:00 – 11:25 Opening Ceremony 11:25 – 12:15 Discussion: "STEM Sciences: Future Professions" 12:25 – 14:00 Competitions, experiments on stage, activities, and prizes 14:00 – 14:15 Honoring long-time teachers 14:15 – 14:30 Announcement of FIZMIX competition finalists 14:40 – 15:40 FIZMIX competition final 15:50 – 16:10 FIZMIX competition awards ceremony 16:10 – 16:50 Concert: Fiņķis & Patrisha Organized by AS "Latvenergo," the FIZMIX knowledge competition and Elektrum Physics Festival aim to spark young people's interest in exact sciences, demonstrate how theoretical knowledge can be applied in practice, and encourage students to consider careers in STEM fields.

VIDEO –Ventspils International Combat Robotics Hackathon and Ventspils Robotics Championship

By Rota Rulle • March 31, 2025
From March 21 to March 23, Ventspils University was the venue for the European University Alliance Colours hackathon "Combat Robotics" and the Ventspils Robotics Championship – one of the stages of the Latvian Championship. The event brought together technology and robotics enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Croatia and Egypt.
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