Satellites in near-Earth space are threatened by a rapidly increasing number of debris particles. To better protect satellites, the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR has developed a powerful experimental radar sensor for space observation: GESTRA (German Experimental Space Surveillance and Tracking Radar).
The fully digital phased array system GESTRA is currently working in test mode. An evolutionary stage of another single receiver is currently being developed and set up by Fraunhofer FHR. The interaction of both systems will be the basis for a coherent network for SSA activities in the future. To enable the best performance of each system, continuous development of the technology and algorithms is necessary. To achieve these goals, Fraunhofer FHR continuously collaborates with industrial partners.