GESTRA

A new era in space observation will begin for Germany – and therefore also for Europe – in 2024. The German Experimental Space Surveillance and Tracking Radar (GESTRA), developed and built by the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (FHR) on behalf of the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), began final testing in December 2023 following an intensive and successful test and verification phase. This means that this globally unique space surveillance system has entered its commissioning phase, which will last several months. Together with experts from Fraunhofer FHR, the German Space Agency at DLR carried out tests at the German Space Situational Awareness Centre (GSSAC).

DLR: GESTRA space radar successfully enters final test phase

Space/C4ISR, Important / By Defence Industry Europe

The German Experimental Space Surveillance and Tracking Radar (GESTRA) has entered its commissioning phase.

Sensor specialist HENSOLDT has agreed to cooperate with the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Technology FHR with the aim of transforming the technology demonstrator GESTRA (German Experimental Space Surveillance and Tracking Radar) into a series-production ready, operationally deployable system called Custodian. To this end, HENSOLDT has acquired the necessary licenses from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and concluded a cooperation agreement.

HENSOLDT and Fraunhofer work together on space surveillance radar

Space/C4ISR / By Defence Industry Europe

Licenses awarded to make GESTRA ready for series production.