In Empfingen, south of Stuttgart in the northern Black Forest, the Institute of Technical Physics operates a large observatory for the laser-based detection of space debris objects. Due to the large receiving aperture of 1.75 metres, it enables the detection of debris objects in low earth orbit with dimensions in the decimetre range. Compared to radar-based detection, laser-based detection of objects enables very precise orbit determination as well as additional information about the shape of the object and its rotational behaviour. This makes it possible to avoid collisions, especially between small space debris objects and active satellites.
The observatory, which is located in a 15-metre-high circular building with a dome, was commissioned in autumn 2021. The large optical telescope with the project name MS-LART (Multi-Spectral Large Aperture Receiver Telescope) is unique of its kind in Europe and forms the basis for pioneering research by scientists at the Institute of Technical Physics in the investigation of orbital objects, especially in low Earth orbit. In addition to the stationary research observatory, a deployable laser transmitter is being developed at the campaign site in Empfingen, which is located in an ISO container and allows bistatic measurement campaigns with the research observatory as a receiver.
