Technical Basis
The facility is based on a former satellite antenna that has been modernised and calibrated for scientific use.
Activities
Artemis II
The FUTURA Radio Observatory in Neu Golm is part of a larger scientific and technical project and was accepted into NASA's Artemis II tracking programme in 2026.
Project
From Historic Antenna to Research Infrastructure
The radio observatory is based on a modernised 12-metre satellite antenna from the 1970s. Today it is used for radio astronomy projects as well as educational formats.
The Founder's Role
Dr.-Ing. Andreas Fischer has played a decisive role in reactivating and developing the facility and has worked for several years to build up the infrastructure.
Aim of the Infrastructure
School pupils and students are to gain access to real scientific work and learn at a facility that can be used professionally.
NASA Artemis II
The First Crewed Flight of the Artemis Programme
Artemis II is part of NASA's Artemis programme and is the first crewed flight in that programme. Its aim is an orbit around the Moon in preparation for future lunar missions.
What Defines the Mission
- Part of the Artemis programme
A central programme for humanity's return to the Moon. - First crewed flight
The mission marks the first flight with astronauts in this programme. - Orbit around the Moon
The Orion capsule is to be guided into an orbit around the Moon. - Preparation for further missions
Artemis II is an important step towards future lunar missions and a long-term presence in lunar space.
Why FUTURA Is Relevant
In 2026, the FUTURA Radio Observatory was accepted into the NASA tracking programme for Artemis II. This makes the facility part of a selected group of stations involved in evaluating radio signals.
Its inclusion in the programme is a special recognition of the facility's technical development and calibration.
Tracking
Evaluating Doppler Shifts
During the mission, the frequency shift of a radio signal transmitted by the Orion spacecraft is recorded. Motion data for the capsule can be derived from this Doppler shift.
1
Receiving the Signal
The facility records the radio signal transmitted by the Orion capsule during the flight.
2
Measuring the Frequency Shift
The change in the signal is analysed and technically evaluated via the Doppler shift.
3
Deriving Motion Data
The measured values make it possible to determine the capsule's motion data along its flight path.
Significance
International Research and Education Interlock
Scientific Significance
- Recognition of development work
Acceptance into the NASA programme recognises the technical and scientific work carried out on the facility. - International integration
The station is part of a wider research environment and does not work in isolation, but as part of a network of selected observation sites.
Connection to the Foundation
- Educational programmes on real infrastructure
The opportunities opened up by FUTURA are also used in the educational formats supported by the Foundation. - Connecting research and education
Learning takes place at a facility that is itself part of real scientific projects. - Long-term perspective
The infrastructure creates a framework in which educational projects can develop and deepen over time.
Technology, Science and Learning in One Place
Artemis II shows how technical infrastructure, educational work and scientific ambition can come together at the same site.