On 9 September 2024, the fellows working on the topic of outer space went on an excursion to the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (FHR) in Wachtberg. There was a lively exchange between the scientists working there and the fellows on their respective research projects. The visit concluded with a tour of the space observation radar, TIRA.

The tracking and imaging Radar TIRA provides customers like space agencies and operators with the capability to track objects like satellites and perform attitude assessment. The technology can be used to measure space debris, which is becoming an increasing problem due to the lack of regulation. At times, Starlink launches alone deploy 40-60 satellites in a single launch. In addition, predictions made on base of the Radar’s measurement can prevent evasive manoeuvres of satellites, as well as providing images of space objects for precise analyses. “Fraunhofer FHR wants to thank the AIA delegation again for the procreative discussion and is looking forward to collaborating in further challenges regarding space situational awareness.” stated our host, Dr. Stephan Stanko.

For more information on the TIRA system, please follow this link: https://www.fhr.fraunhofer.de/en/the-institute/technical-equipment/Space-observation-radar-TIRA.html