Funkmessstelle für Weltraumfunk

The Funkmessstelle für Weltraumfunk is a space radio monitoring station in Riedstadt that receives and analyzes signals transmitted by satellites in orbit. The facility contains several specialized antennas, including a large rotatable Cassegrain system and smaller units designed to detect signals across different frequency ranges.

The German Federal Post Office initiated planning for this facility, which opened officially on October 28, 1980. The establishment was part of European development in satellite monitoring technologies during the height of space communication expansion.

The station supports educational institutions by providing research opportunities and conducting informational events about space communication technologies.

The main antenna is a large rotatable Cassegrain reflector that can move both horizontally and vertically to achieve optimal signal reception. Visitors should note this is a specialized facility where security and access guidelines must be observed.

Four logarithmic-periodic antennas work in concert to capture signals regardless of their polarization direction. This combined approach allows the station to track communication data from multiple satellite sources simultaneously.