Beyond the Stars: Belgian-Indian Partnerships in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Collaborations between Belgium and India in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics serve as a model for fruitful international cooperation. These partnerships have led to large-scale scientific achievements, supported by cutting-edge Belgian institutions and companies. Not only do these collaborations strengthen scientific ties, but they also foster technological and industrial exchanges between the two countries.

Indian Telescopes Designed and Manufactured in Liège

For more than a decade, Belgium and India have established a solid partnership in astrophysics and astronomy, marked by several major projects. One of the main players in this collaboration is AMOS (Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems), a Belgian high-tech company that has supplied several telescopes to observation sites in India. These telescopes have significantly contributed to the advancement of astronomical research and sky monitoring.

This partnership is also supported by the University of Liège (ULiège), which plays a central role in astrophysics research, particularly through its involvement in the development of telescopes and cutting-edge instruments. These efforts are coordinated by the Belgian-Indian Network for Astronomy and Astrophysics (BINA), which brings together researchers and institutions from both countries to develop joint research projects.

Major Projects: Devasthal and ILMT

Among the flagship projects of this collaboration, the Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) stands out as one of the most emblematic. Co-funded by the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO), this telescope allows Belgian astronomers to benefit from observation time for their research. It is a flagship project that has solidified ties between Belgian and Indian institutions.

Another major project is the International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT), the only one of its kind dedicated to sky surveys and the largest visible light telescope in India. Inaugurated in 2023, the ILMT was designed by astronomers from the University of Liège, in collaboration with French and Canadian universities, and built by AMOS. Located at the ARIES Observatory in Devasthal (Uttarakhand), this telescope is unique in that it uses a liquid mirror to observe the sky. The ILMT is capable of providing sky images that allow the discovery of new celestial objects, such as supernovae and asteroids. This telescope also plays a crucial role in detecting space debris, an area of major interest for space agencies such as ISRO, ESA, and NASA.

Technology and Instrumentation: Cutting-edge Collaboration

Projects like the DOT and ILMT demonstrate the excellence of Belgian-Indian collaborations, particularly in the field of technology and astronomical instrumentation. Belgian and Indian experts work together to develop sophisticated instruments that will enable more precise data on the universe. These technological advances open the way for new observation tools that are increasingly powerful and will benefit the global scientific community.

Strengthening Scientific and Industrial Partnerships

Belgian-Indian collaborations go beyond simple research projects. They also include an industrial partnership that drives progress in astronomy and astrophysics through technological innovations. AMOS, for example, is a key player in the design and manufacturing of telescopes and optical instruments. Its contribution is essential for the realization of ambitious projects, particularly those carried out in collaboration with India.

Other Belgian institutions, such as the Liège Space Center (CSL), offer world-class facilities in space optics and instrumentation. These cutting-edge infrastructures enable precise observations of celestial phenomena and promote astronomical discoveries.

The University of Liège (ULiège) is another pillar of this cooperation, housing a community of astrophysicists and engineers who are at the forefront of research on exoplanets, sky surveys, and the development of new telescopes. These researchers play a fundamental role in the scientific and technological innovations that underpin Belgian-Indian partnerships.

The Royal Observatory of Belgium also strengthens Belgium's position in international astronomy. Specializing in solar physics, seismology, and celestial mechanics, it actively participates in large-scale astronomical missions and international scientific collaborations.

A Strategic Cooperation for the Future

These collaborations between Belgium and India not only illustrate the scientific excellence of both countries but also their ability to work together to address future challenges. Through joint projects, both nations contribute their respective expertise to advance research in astronomy and astrophysics.

With projects like the DOT and ILMT, as well as the involvement of Belgian and Indian companies and institutions, Belgium and India continue to strengthen their strategic partnership in these fields. These collaborations open up new perspectives for the future, offering opportunities for major scientific breakthroughs while fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies that will benefit the global scientific community.