German Antarctic Receiving Station
The German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS) O'Higgins is a German polar research station and satellite ground station located on the Antarctic Peninsula.[1] It is a critical facility for Earth observation and space geodesy, playing a key role in both German and international scientific research.
Location and Establishment
GARS O'Higgins is situated on Cape Legoupil, on a small islet called Isabel Riquelme Islet, in close proximity to the Chilean Base General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme. This location provides a strategic vantage point for observing satellites in polar orbits. The station was established in 1991 by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to support the European Remote Sensing Satellites (ERS-1 and ERS-2) missions.
Purpose and Scientific Work
The station serves a: 1. Satellite Ground Station: Its most prominent feature is a 9-meter diameter radio antenna. This antenna is used to:
- Receive data: It downloads vast amounts of remote sensing data, particularly from German Earth observation satellites like TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X, which are used to create detailed elevation models of the Earth.
- Command satellites: It transmits commands to remote-sensing satellites, allowing for their operation and management.
2. Geodetic Observatory: The station also functions as a geodetic observatory for long-term measurements related to global reference systems and global change. Its work includes:
- Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI): The radio antenna is used as a radio telescope to participate in the global VLBI network. This helps scientists measure continental drift and accurately determine the Earth's rotation.
- Crustal Motion Studies: By combining VLBI data with continuous GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) measurements, the station monitors crustal movements in the region, which is particularly significant for studying the effects of ice loss.
Operations and Logistics
GARS O'Higgins is operated jointly by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG). The station is staffed year-round, with a small team of scientists, engineers, and technicians. Logistics and operations are conducted in close cooperation with Chile's Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH), leveraging the infrastructure of the nearby Chilean base.