Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHRTIRA-Digital modernizes the signal processing of the L-band target-tracking radar of the large radar facility TIRA. Through an innovative, software-based architecture, radar signals are digitized directly at the antenna and processed in real time. The obtained data underpin forecasts, warnings, and analyses for national and European space infrastructure and strengthen Germany’s sovereignty in space intelligence.
Fraunhofer FHR operates, with TIRA (Tracking and Imaging Radar), a Europe-wide unique large radar facility for space surveillance and protection of national infrastructure. The system serves as a flexible instrument in radar research and enables powerful detection, tracking, and precise monitoring of objects in low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit. Given the steadily growing use of space by military and civilian actors and the increasing number of small satellites, a comprehensive and up-to-date space situational picture becomes increasingly important. TIRA offers a reliable, operationally tested platform, which - in its primary role as an experimental sensor for the development of novel radar techniques for space situational awareness - is continuously adapted to meet new requirements.
Innovative signal processing architecture for future requirements
In the TIRA-Digital project, the signal processing of the L-band target-tracking radar is fundamentally modernized. The core of the innovation is a new, software-based signal processing architecture that relocates digitization directly to the antenna’s RF frontend. Four monopulse channels are digitized synchronously right after the first amplification stage. Real-time processing continues on GPUs, enabling a flexible, modular, and high-performance implementation of the latest algorithms for detection, precise orbit tracking, and multi-target tracking. This architecture allows rapid response to new requirements and scientifically test innovative methods.
Important contribution to securing space infrastructure
The data and insights gained form the basis for central tasks such as re-entry predictions, collision warnings, analysis of maneuvers and fragmentation events, and support for satellite missions as well as active space debris removal. The results are used in close collaboration with partners such as the joint space situational awareness center of the Bundeswehr, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the European Space Agency (ESA), and make a decisive contribution to the safety and resilience of national and European infrastructure in the space dimension.
With TIRA-Digital, Fraunhofer FHR sets new standards in space intelligence and strengthens Germany’s technological sovereignty in this security-relevant field of the future.