We are pleased to announce that Baader Planetarium has been selected as a subcontractor for the Bundeswehr's (German Armed Forces) new Space Surveillance System "SysWRÜbw". As part of this project, we are supplying two 6.15-meter Baader slit domes (Advanced) as well as two 1-meter telescopes from PlaneWave Instruments (PW1000 Nasmyth Astrograph f/6 and RC1000 Ritchey-Chrétien telescope system) with highly specialized Cosmos 66 & 42 cameras from Teledyne.
The order represents the largest single project in the history of Baader Planetarium GmbH and is a significant step for the further positioning of the company in the field of observatory construction for professional astronomy and space observation. Johannes Baader, third-generation CEO:
“I am very proud that as a family-run company we can contribute our expertise in turnkey observatory construction through our local experts to this important project.”
The Bundeswehr Procurement Office (BAAINBw) has concluded a contract with steep GmbH, a technical service company, for the manufacture and delivery of a telescope system for space surveillance. This system consists of two telescopes and the associated infrastructure. The installation will take place in Meßstetten (Germany) and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The complete integration and commissioning of the telescopes at the Space Situational Awareness Center (WRLageZ) in Uedem is planned for 2026.
Our role in this project includes the delivery and integration of the telescope and dome technology. Baader Planetarium is providing high-precision 6.15m Advanced slit domes from our own production as part of the project. These domes, which are already successfully in use worldwide in numerous observatories and ground stations for scientific and industrial purposes, offer optimal protection and precise positioning at maximum speed, even under demanding environmental conditions.
© PlaneWave Instruments
The heart of the facility consists of two 1-meter telescopes from PlaneWave Instruments, specially developed for the detection and monitoring of objects in "Low Earth Orbit" (LEO) up to the "Geostationary Orbit" (GEO). These telescopes are characterized by their outstanding optical quality and reliability and are crucial for the precise monitoring of near-Earth space. Image acquisition is carried out using highly sensitive CMOS cameras from Teledyne, which can capture even faint objects in detail.
For seamless integration and fully autonomous or robotic operation of the telescope systems from a distance is ensured by the “Webservatory” software platform developed by our partner, the sciencentric AG from Düsseldorf. It enables not only the precise control of the telescopes but also the efficient management and analysis and data reduction of the obtained information. All operational processes, including the control of the systems and communication with the Space Situational Awareness Center in Uedem, are fully automated via a modern, user-friendly multi-platform interface that ensures intuitive operation and optimized use.
The steep GmbH assumes overall responsibility for the project as the general contractor. This includes not only the project management but also the entire documentation and training of users to ensure smooth operation and optimal use of the facility. With the longstanding experience of steep GmbH in the field of training and maintenance of complex technical systems, it is ensured that all technical requirements are met and the project progresses on schedule.
This project marks for Baader Planetarium and our partners a significant milestone in the development and implementation of large telescopes and observation infrastructures for space surveillance.
“Together with our partners steep GmbH and sciencentric AG, we are proud to implement this important national project and to demonstrate our combined expertise in the development and planning of large telescopes and observation infrastructures for space surveillance. We look forward to the completion and commissioning of the facility in the coming years.”
Johannes Baader
Further Information / Press Releases:
- Presseportal.de: Capability Development in Space Surveillance: Bundeswehr Receives Telescope System
- esut.de: Two Telescopes for Space Surveillance
- Defence-Network.com: Space Surveillance: Bundeswehr Receives Telescope System
- Schwaebische.de: Bundeswehr Builds Two Space Telescopes
