The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has outlined\nopportunities for Indonesia to participate in a collaborative mission\ninvolving an astronomical observatory on the Moon. This collaboration is\nconsidered essential as an initial step to strengthen Indonesia\u2019s\nnational space research capacity.<\/p>\n
Emanuel Sungging Mumpuni, Head of BRIN\u2019s Space Research Centre,\nexplained that astronomical observations have historically been\nconducted from Earth\u2019s surface using telescopes or cameras directed at\nthe sky. However, future observations could also be conducted directly\nfrom the Moon.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis morning, we will broaden our perspective and study these\nopportunities,\u201d Emanuel stated in an official statement on Friday, 13\nFebruary.<\/p>\n
The colloquium featured astronomer Chatief Kunjaya from Bandung\nInstitute of Technology, who also serves as Board Director of the\nInternational Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA). He explained that\nlunar astronomical observations offer several advantages over\nEarth-based observations.<\/p>\n
Radio wave observations from Earth are frequently disrupted by\nvarious radio signal interferences. In contrast, observations from the\nMoon could minimise such interference because the lunar surface can\nblock radio wave interference from Earth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we want to observe radio waves from the universe from Earth,\nthere will be many interference interferences from other radio waves.\nHowever, if placed on the Moon, interference from Earth can be blocked,\u201d\nhe said.<\/p>\n
He also noted that the Moon has permanently dark regions in crater\nbases with extremely low temperatures, allowing observation cameras to\noperate without requiring additional cooling systems.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the Moon\u2019s surface is relatively stable with minimal\nmovement, enabling the construction of observation systems such as Very\nLong Baseline Interferometer (VLBI).<\/p>\n
The Moon\u2019s extremely thin atmosphere also allows starlight to be seen\nmore clearly compared to observations from Earth\u2019s low orbit.<\/p>\n
In his presentation, Kunjaya referenced the successful ILO-X project,\nwhich successfully landed on the Moon using the Nova-C lander. However,\nduring landing, one of the spacecraft\u2019s legs struck a rock, leaving the\ncamera in a tilted position and resulting in suboptimal\nobservations.<\/p>\n
\u201cILO-X was successful because it landed on the Moon and transmitted\nphotographs from the observations. However, during landing, one of the\nspacecraft\u2019s legs struck a rock, so the camera was observing from a\ntilted position,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The ILO-X project is described as a preliminary trial before\ndevelopment of the main projects, ILO-1 and ILO-2. In subsequent\nprojects, cameras capable of autonomous movement will be required to\nenable more optimal observations.<\/p>\n
Kunjaya assessed that Indonesia has the opportunity to contribute to\nthis mission, including in developing observation camera instruments for\nthe ILO-2 project.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy continuing to participate in the ILOA programme, Indonesia has\nthe opportunity to further explore outer space,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He stressed that benefits from such activities may not be directly\napparent at present but will have significant impact on scientific and\ntechnological development in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndonesia must prepare itself, particularly in terms of capacity\nbuilding, as it has the potential to participate in lunar astronomical\nobservatory missions,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/brin-indonesia-has-opportunity-to-join-lunar-observatory-mission-collaboration-1773384747", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }