BRIN Reveals Indonesia Has Opportunity to Join Lunar Mission

Several countries have been conducting sky observations on the Moon. Astronomical observation activities are typically conducted at ground base, with cameras pointed towards the sky.

Indonesia appears poised to develop similar capabilities in the future. The Head of BRIN’s Space Research Centre, Emanuel Sungging, expressed confidence in this prospect.

“This morning, we will first broaden our perspective and study these opportunities,” he explained at the Linear Pre-Colloquium event, according to BRIN’s official website on Monday (16 March 2026).

He outlined the advantages of conducting astronomical observations from the Moon, noting that it can be done without radio wave interference, unlike ground-based observations on Earth. Additionally, observation cameras placed on the lunar surface require no cooling systems, as the Moon has permanently dark regions with extremely low temperatures.

“Furthermore, the lunar surface is more stable with minimal movement, making it possible to establish a Very Long Baseline Interferometer (VLBI) on the Moon, since cameras placed there would not require frequent corrections as they would on Earth. The Moon’s atmosphere is also far thinner than Earth’s lowest orbital atmosphere, allowing starlight to be seen much more clearly,” Sungging stated.

Chatief Kunjaya from the Astronomy Department at the ITB Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences discussed the ILO-X project, which successfully landed on the Moon. The project was launched using the Nova-C spacecraft.

However, ILO-X is merely a test mission. Future projects include ILO-1 and ILO-2.

“The cameras used in these projects are still static, meaning image capture depends on the direction and orientation of the spacecraft carrying the camera. An automated camera system is needed to help optimise image capture for lunar observations,” Kunjaya explained.

Kunjaya also noted that Indonesia could be invited to participate in international space missions.

“By continuing to participate in ILOA programmes, opportunities can be created for Indonesia to further explore outer space. Indonesia also has the opportunity to develop better cameras for ILO-2. This activity is also expected to serve as a platform to broaden understanding,” he added.