Germany seeks radars to monitor low Earth orbit

Germany is seeking an industry partner to provide the country with at least one radar tracking system to contribute to the creation of a “validated and verified” orbital data catalogue. 

A tender, released on 15 May via the country’s E-Vergabe procurement portal, calls for ground-based radar tracking capabilities that can monitor objects in low Earth orbit.  

The requirement - put out by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) - is for the provision of at least one system, with a second possible.  

The systems will need to be equipped with measuring instruments to help track “space-based weather effects”, and a radome to protect the radar/s from adverse weather. 

The selected supplier will also be responsible for the verification and testing of the radar system’s operations, plus the creation of training manuals. 

Importantly, the successful vendor will need to work with the DLR to identify suitable ground locations for the radar station/s. 

The chosen location will need to be equipped with relevant infrastructure to support operations, such as electricity and internet access, with unlimited site access for DLR personnel. 

The deadline for submissions is 15 June, with the project due to start on 1 September and set to run until “approximately 2030”. 

Applicants will need to be registered with the E-Vergabe portal to submit their proposals.