CAST delegation visits LIRA

3 April 2025 Par Raphaël de Assis Peralta CAST delegation visits LIRA

On 26 March, LIRA welcomed a large delegation from the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), led by its President, Li Daming. The visit, organised at the initiative of Athéna Coustenis, brought together scientists and engineers from both institutions to discuss space exploration and potential future collaborations.

LIRA researchers, who are involved in various solar system exploration projects and observatories dedicated to the study of exoplanets, were able to exchange views with their Chinese counterparts after a presentation of the space missions currently being developed by CAST. Milan Maksimovic, Director of the LIRA, presented the activities and projects of the LIRA, illustrating the complementary expertise of the two laboratories.

Presentation of the Observatoire de Paris-PSL’s centenary activities to the CAST delegation
Credit: Raphaël de Assis Peralta (LIRA - Observatoire de Paris-PSL)

The meeting continued with a tour of LIRA’s facilities in glorious sunshine, including a visit to the CST and the Grande Coupole. Cyrille Blanchard, Pierre Drossart, Benoît Mosser and several other LIRA researchers took part in these exchanges, which opened the way to new opportunities for collaboration between the two institutions.

Presentation of space infrastructures by Pierre Drossart to the CAST delegation
Credit: Raphaël de Assis Peralta (LIRA - Observatoire de Paris-PSL)

This visit marks a key stage in the strengthening of scientific ties between France and China in the field of space research, with promising prospects for the future of cosmic exploration.

CAST delegation visits the large telescope at the Paris Observatory in Meudon
Credit: Raphaël de Assis Peralta (LIRA - Observatoire de Paris-PSL)
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