This article is part of a series in which we highlight the key milestones in the development of LOFAR-BG.
Contract signed and preparations underway for next-generation station installation
In 2024, LOFAR-BG reached a major milestone with the signing of a contract for the manufacturing and delivery of the station with Astrotec Holding, a company associated with ASTRON. This ensures that the Bulgarian station will be built using the latest available technologies developed within the LOFAR 2.0 framework.
LOFAR 2.0 represents a large-scale upgrade of the telescope, introducing new data processing systems, improved sensitivity, and the ability to conduct simultaneous observations across multiple frequency bands. The large-scale upgrade of European stations began in 2025, and LOFAR-BG will be part of this new generation.
At the same time, the Bulgarian team is actively involved in international technological initiatives such as the DANTE project, which develops next-generation antenna electronics. This participation highlights that Bulgaria is not only a user of advanced technology, but also a contributor to its development.
Preparations for installation include coordination with international teams, participation in technical meetings, and planning of future station operations. The installation of LOFAR-BG is expected to begin in 2026, marking a major milestone in the project’s development.