Atos and OHB awarded contract for the construction of the Space Situational Center Expansion Stage 1

Defense of critical infrastructure also in orbit

The Air and Space Operations Center (ASOC) was launched on September 21, 2020. The Bundeswehr Space Command (WRKdoBw) emerged from it on July 13, 2021, with the aim of bundling all Bundeswehr activities related to space. Ultimately, this means nothing other than that the German armed forces also want to monitor what happens in space. The United States had already put a corresponding military department into service in December 2019 with the United States Space Force. The relevance of such an institution is currently more evident than ever. For it is to be feared that claims to political and military control on Earth will increasingly be shifted into space. In this context, Russia, India and China are already in a position to deliberately destroy satellites in orbit, remove them or otherwise influence their functioning.

First and foremost, the WRKdoBw is to be dedicated to monitoring satellite orbits. Precise space situational awareness (SSA) is essential for safe operations in orbit. Warnings are to be issued in the event of an imminent collision or too close approach. At the same time, however, the Bundeswehr's space systems are to be protected - and defended in case of doubt. National and international partners will also be supported on request.

Contract awarded, volume unknown

In March, the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded a contract to Atos and OHB for the development of the space situational awareness center in expansion phase 1. The project will run for 18 months, but the contract volume is unknown.

The procurement and integration of hardware and software will enable the Space Situation Center to support the Bundeswehr, federal and state agencies, and national and international cooperation partners with space situation services and products.

Dr. Dieter Birreck, Managing Director OHB Digital Connect

The joint solution from Atos and OHB was developed in Germany and is based on European products. According to Atos, modules of a software for space monitoring already used by other European countries form the core system. OHB Digital Connect GmbH, a subsidiary of Bremen-based space company OHB SE, will combine the components "via an operational level to create the various software components into an overall system that can be adapted to current conditions." As a cybersecurity specialist, Atos SE will integrate the various software and hardware components into an overall solution. In addition, interfaces to external sensors will be created. In addition, the company, which is headquartered in France, will ensure the operational performance of the overall system.

Together with our partner OHB, we are proud to be supporting the German Federal Armed Forces as a long-standing customer in this groundbreaking project. Satellite protection makes a crucial contribution to the security of public order. Combined with our experience in the field of space infrastructure, our technically modular, innovative and European solution offers a high level of security. Thus, we meet the challenges posed by the growing number of satellites.

Udo Littke, CEO Atos Germany and Head of Public Sector and Defense Central Europe

Both representatives of Atos and OHB are confident about the performance of the future system. Says Hendrik Hanff, project manager at OHB: "This project will make our customer a bit more independent and enable it to identify potential threats to infrastructure elements of relevance to civil society at an early stage and derive countermeasures at short notice." According to the company, all objects in low-Earth orbit will be cataloged and monitored. The IT system will also make it possible to monitor space weather. Also announced are predictions of whether objects will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up.

via Atos, OHB, Bundeswehr