Physicist, astronomist or similar (f/m/x) - Laser based monitoring of space debris

The Institute of Technical Physics develops and operates observatories and laser optical ground stations at suitable sites for passive and laser active monitoring of orbital objects in the low Earth orbit at orbital heights of up to 2000 km. The orbital objects monitored are active satellites and space debris objects. The laser based monitoring technology allows for the precise determination of the orbits of objects, and it can be scaled for detecting smaller objects with dimensions of less than one meter.

As part of the research and development work, a laser transmitter in the infrared spectral range has to be developed that is designed and compatible for a high laser power, and is characterized by its compactness and a large transmission aperture. The transmitter is core part of a station that allows for the precise tracking of a collimated laser beam on orbital debris objects. Measurement campaigns with a transportable system at external sites are also planned for validation. In addition, the results of the development work will be implemented on a large receiving telescope that is currently under construction.