Observatory Becomes a Destination in the Bavarian Forest

At an altitude of 1,042 metres, a new observatory is being built in the Bavarian Forest, bringing together research, tourism and education.

For the project, INNOVAMETALL is constructing a ten-metre Orbyx dome, including a visitor platform and staircase. Together with the one-metre telescope from ASA Astrosysteme, the facility will enable astronomical observations to be carried out remotely while also allowing visitors to experience the view into the universe directly on site.

After several years of planning, a new place for research, learning and discovery is now taking shape on the Eschenberg within just a few months.

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11m ORBYX - Our largest dome to date

Atacama Desert, Chile. For the Observatorio Cerro Armazones, INNOVAMETALL constructed its second ORBYX dome in Chile. With a diameter of 11 metres, it is the largest dome we have built to date.

The first installation phase in December 2025 had to be interrupted ahead of schedule due to severe storms with wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h. In March 2026, our specialist team returned to Chile and successfully completed the installation of the ORBYX dome. The only component still missing for the completed observatory is the ASA telescope, which is scheduled for delivery at the end of the year. Our specialist team will also be on site for the telescope installation and will carry out the remaining finishing work.

Follow all the latest developments on our social media channels!

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Chile as a milestone - First Orbyx outside Europe

From Europe to the Atacama: INNOVAMETALL expands its radius of action with two dome projects in Chile - precise technology under extreme conditions

With the ongoing assembly of a 4-metre dome at the Observatorio Cerro Armazones, we are realising our first project outside Europe - a milestone for INNOVAMETALL.

A large 11-metre rotating dome is already in production and is scheduled for installation at the end of the year. Its dimensions, the rotating mechanism and the intercontinental transport pose new technical and logistical challenges - and mark the next step in our international development.

We will report on the progress of the project on an ongoing basis - including on our social media channels

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Test station for ASA astro systems

The birth station. This is where the first Orbyx went live. We manufactured a test station with satellite tracking, brushless technology and autonomous control for ASA Astrosysteme. Designed for applications in the field of astronomy and satellite communication.

The station works with the support of a photovoltaic-based DC power unit, is fully autonomous (PLC-controlled) and designed for the most demanding conditions such as earthquakes.

A technological milestone for future systems - made in Austria.

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Research station for quantum physics on the Hafelekar

Science meets metal construction: for an EU-relevant research project, we are providing the infrastructure for new discoveries in quantum physics.

Together with ASA Astrosysteme, we are realising the new "Marietta Blau ground station" for the University of Innsbruck - a precise dome construction for experiments under extreme conditions.

The station at Hafelekar is an internationally significant site for quantum optics and quantum communication. Its high-altitude location enables particularly low-interference measurements, providing ideal conditions for fundamental research and experiments in quantum cryptography.

Photo 1-3: Land Tirol/Fitsch

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