New space radar GETRA: German achievement in detecting small objects in space
Germany’s experimental space surveillance and tracking radar GESTRA, developed and built by the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Technology (FHR), has begun final tests and will soon be put into operation.
The GESTRA integrated radar system includes a transmitting and receiving antenna, each of which, when fully loaded, is equipped with 256 separate elements whose radar waves can be adjusted in phase, also known as a phased array.
The transmitting antenna elements are driven by an extremely powerful amplifier, so the antenna, which is approximately four meters long, has a huge total output power. The elements of the receiving antenna are individually read digitally and can be combined in real time using special processor units. This allows the two antennas to change the direction of view within a few milliseconds.
In addition, the antennas can be mechanically aligned using a rotating stand. A separate water cooling system for each antenna element contributes to the high performance of the radar. This further increases the sensitivity of the system.
GETRA is not only very dynamic in observation, but also extremely sensitive. The transmitter and receiver are housed in two separate containers, allowing for flexible placement in different locations. This combination of mobility, digital technology and performance makes GETRA unique.
