New telescopes: German armed forces aim for "comprehensive" space surveillance
With the remote observation system installed in Messstetten, the armed forces want to be able to better assess risks from space debris and be more independent.
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The German Armed Forces are building a telescope system for space surveillance in MeĂźstetten in Baden-WĂĽrttemberg. It will consist of two approximately eight-meter-high towers for remote observation in space, which will be built on the military training area there. This was announced by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). For the first time, the Bundeswehr Procurement Office has also commissioned the necessary infrastructure and the realization of the entire system. The two new telescopes are part of the future space surveillance system and are intended to enable the observation and tracking of objects in space.
According to the BAAINBw, the detection range extends from low Earth orbit at altitudes of around 400 kilometers to geostationary orbit at a distance of around 36,000 kilometers. The collected data is to be fed into the Space Situational Awareness Center in Uedem (North Rhine-Westphalia) and processed there together with other information "into an overall situation of near-Earth space". The Bundeswehr is thus further strengthening its activities and capabilities in space to ensure "comprehensive space surveillance" in the future.
Concerns about increasing space debris
The immediate aim of the system is to be able to observe space independently of other nations, a spokesperson for the procurement office explained to SWR. This is important to quickly identify potential dangers from space and to warn the responsible federal and state authorities as well as satellite operators at an early stage. According to the BAAINBw, the detection center assesses risks such as space debris that could hit and damage earth satellites, possible re-entries of space objects and the effects of space weather caused by the sun's activities. To this end, objects in near-Earth space will be monitored and, if necessary, clarified to create a reliable and clear national register.
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Construction of the two towers is expected to take until the end of 2025, the procurement office estimates. The telescopes will then be installed and put into operation and tested via remote control from the situation center. According to the plan, the system available on the market could then be handed over to the German Armed Forces Space Command in 2026. The purchase will be financed from the 20 billion euro special fund of the armed forces, which focuses on the expansion of space surveillance, the establishment of an early warning system and the expansion of satellite communications (SATCOMBw).
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