Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMIFraunhofer satellite ERNST monitors launching rockets
After a year in orbit, the research satellite ERNST has achieved a significant milestone: The beer crate-sized satellite provides images of rockets during launch. It has gathered crucial data for early missile warning systems.
ERNST captured a launching Falcon 9 rocket with its infrared camera. It tracked the rocket for nearly three minutes until the separation of the upper stage. (The video shows the launch at five times speed).
The small satellite ERNST, developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics with the support of Fraunhofer IOSB and INT, has successfully captured images of launching rockets for the first time using its infrared camera. In July, it observed the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg, USA. ERNST detected and tracked the rocket until the separation of the upper stage, which occurred after nearly three minutes. During this flight, the rocket reached an altitude of 70 km and a speed of 6,000 km/h.
ERNST detects infrared signatures emitted by the hot exhaust plume and body of the rockets“ “We focus on the mid- and short-wave infrared range, where high temperatures stand out clearly against the background”, project manager Dr. Martin Schimmerohn explains.
The recordings represent a significant advancement for Fraunhofer EMI. ERNST is the first small satellite in Europe capable of capturing images of launching rockets. Such satellites will play a key role in future European early warning systems for hostile missiles. “Early detection of missiles using a satellite is essential for missile defense. Satellites equipped with infrared sensors can identify and track hostile missiles earlier than ground-based radars, which only detect them when they appear over the horizon due to the Earth’s curvature”, Schimmerohn explains. ERNST provides valuable insights for the development of satellite-based early warning systems.
Small satellite ERNST remains on track
Since August 2024, ERNST has been orbiting in space. To date, the satellite has met all the researchers’ expectations: “Our thorough preparations are paying off. The system is operating effectively, and the data gathered thus far is very promising”, states Schimmerohn. In the upcoming months, the team plans to document additional rocket launches, assess the system's performance limits, and enhance the automation of the satellite's operations.
Press Images
Infrared image from orbit: The small satellite ERNST, developed by Fraunhofer EMI, tracked the trajectory of a launching Falcon 9 rocket in the USA.
The core team behind the research satellite ERNST (from left): Konstantin Schäfer, Dr. Martin Schimmerohn (project manager), Noah Ledford, Dr. Stephan Busch, Clemens Horch, and Professor Frank Schäfer (head of the space division at Fraunhofer EMI).
Researchers at Fraunhofer EMI have led the development of the small satellite ERNST. Since August 2025, the small satellite has been in orbit.