From the Intersputnik Earth Station to the Future of STEM Education
The Andreas Fischer Foundation for the Natural Sciences connects the history of the former Intersputnik Earth Station in Neu Golm with a clear mission for the future: inspiring young people to engage with science, technology and enquiry-based learning. A historic site of international communication is becoming a place for STEM education, curiosity and hands-on science.
What is the universe in which we exist?
The founder is a pacifist and pursues the aim of recognising and understanding the laws of nature through education and enlightenment.
To answer this question, we need knowledge: knowledge of the matter and nature that surrounds us and forms the basis of our lives. Knowledge of how we can shape the way we live alongside all forms of life on this unique island Earth for the future.
It must therefore be the aim of this Foundation to help wherever
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people learn how to learn,
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curiosity becomes research,
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imagination becomes science,
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creativity leads to innovation,
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love of nature creates habitats, and
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where helpfulness and respect shape a sustainable society.
— Guiding principle of the Foundation
Our Funding Areas
Science & Research
Running science laboratories and research facilities. Organising lecture series, symposia and workshops. Awarding scholarships to students and early-career researchers.
Youth & Older People's Support
STEM programmes for children and young people, science education for older people, intergenerational science projects and competitions.
Education & Student Support
Running educational programmes for schools, operating a science and education centre, vocational education and continuing education with mentoring programmes.
Civic Engagement
Citizen-science projects, volunteer programmes in science communication and open workshops, or makerspaces, for scientific projects.
Intersputnik Earth Station — 50 Years of Technological History
The Foundation is based at a site of unique technological significance: the former Intersputnik Earth Station in Neu Golm.
Earth Station Commissioned
On 1 August 1975, the GDR put its only commercial satellite communications hub into operation. The 12-metre parabolic antenna connected the GDR to the international Intervision network.
Industrial Reuse
The historic site became a location for modern sensor and measurement technology — the basis for a unique connection between industry and education.
End of Radio Operations
Commercial satellite radio operations ceased. The facility was modernised and continued as an industrial technology site — "High-Tech from the Country".
Reactivation of the Antenna
Together with SFZ Pankow e.V., the Foundation began the systematic reactivation of the historic 12-metre antenna as a radio observatory.
FUTURA Radio Observatory & Foundation Launch
On 25 March 2025, the FUTURA Radio Observatory began its official "third life". In July, the Andreas Fischer Foundation for the Natural Sciences was announced in the Official Gazette for Brandenburg.
Board
Dr.-Ing. Andreas Fischer
Experienced engineer and entrepreneur in sensor and measurement technology. Founder of the Foundation, with a vision of making the natural sciences accessible to young people.
Patricia Domagk
Business graduate with a specialist focus on foundation formation, corporate succession and wealth succession. She actively contributes this perspective to the Foundation's development.
Biography: Patricia Domagk
Patricia Domagk (born 1998) has spent several years focusing closely on foundations and their role in corporate and wealth succession. This specialism has shaped both her academic path and her current work for the Foundation.
During her studies, she placed a clear professional focus on questions of foundation formation. Today, she brings this knowledge into the ongoing development of the Foundation, combining it with a strong interest in inspiring young people to engage with technology and science.
It is particularly important to her that children and young people can test their own ideas in practice and receive the space, structure and reliable support they need to do so.
Education & Areas of Expertise
- Born on 12 January 1998
Early connection between organisational interests and hands-on project work. - Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (2021)
Thesis: "Foundation Formation — A Design Option for Corporate Succession Using the Example of an Owner-managed Company". - Master of Arts in Business Management (2023)
Thesis on foundation formation as a concept for corporate and succession planning, focusing on challenges, opportunities and limits in the formation process. - Specialist Focus
Sound knowledge of foundations, succession planning and the structural development of charitable organisations.
Wilhelm und Else Heraeus Stiftung
SFZ Pankow
Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium