Space has become one of the most important areas for strengthening defense capabilities, and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center in Irbene provides Latvia with the opportunity to enhance its competence, Edgars Rinkēvičs stated today.
This statement was made not by chance.
On Friday, April 17, Edgars Rinkēvičs visited the Institute of Engineering Sciences of Ventspils University College "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" and met with its management to discuss current issues regarding the development of the institute.
Particular attention in the conversation was given to the role of the center in the development of space technologies, data processing, and its cooperation with the defense sector.
The President noted that there is already world-class infrastructure in Irbene; however, there is a need to expand the team of researchers as well as the volume of international joint projects in areas where Latvia has competitiveness.
According to information from visitventspils.com, the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center is located in Irbene, a former Soviet Army military camp, and is based at the Engineering Institute of Ventspils University College.
The 32-meter fully steerable parabolic antenna RT-32, the largest in Northern Europe and the eighth largest in the world, and the 16-meter antenna RT-16 are still operational for scientific purposes. Both antennas were renovated in the summer of 2015.
