German Armed Forces Space Command, Uedem

The Customer and the Result

The German Armed Forces’ Space Command centralizes key military space surveillance tasks at its Uedem facility. At the Space Surveillance Center, complex information and surveillance situations are continuously monitored and analyzed.

As part of the project, Knürr implemented a control room solution that was custom-designed and tailored to the technical, ergonomic, and spatial requirements of the Space Command. Ergonomic workstations, dual-row monitor integration, and integrated lighting, acoustic, and signaling technology create a high-performance and future-proof work environment for security-critical 24/7 operations.

Following the initial, successful installation, another order was placed to expand the control room infrastructure.

The Initial Situation and Challenge

The Space Surveillance Center required a workstation solution that met the highest standards for ergonomics, technology integration, and operational safety.

Particular challenges included integrating a large number of workstation monitors, ensuring optimal viewing angles toward the central monitor wall, and providing a structured setup for specialized equipment. In addition, the solution had to be tailored to the specific lighting and acoustic conditions in the darkroom area and prepared for future expansions.

Key requirements were:

• Ergonomic control room workstations for continuous 24/7 shift operation

• Optimal viewing angles between workstation monitors and the central monitor wall

• Accommodation of a large number of displays with the option for expansion

• Structured integration of specialized IT and 19-inch equipment

• Uniform and glare-free lighting in the darkroom area

• Visual and acoustic status indicators

• Modular infrastructure with long-term expandability

• Installation under the specific conditions of a high-security area

Technical Highlights of Our Solution

Knürr implemented a control room solution tailored entirely to the customer’s needs, in which workstation ergonomics, monitor layout, IT integration, lighting, acoustics, and signaling were functionally integrated.

Products and Services Provided

• 18 Knürr® Ergocon Curved 2-Level control room workstations with height adjustment for ergonomic and efficient work in demanding 24/7 operations

• Two-piece, offset tabletops to optimize viewing angles toward the central monitor wall

• Two-row monitor rail to accommodate multiple monitors and allow for flexible expansion of the number of displays to meet future requirements

• Comprehensive integration of IT, monitor, and communication technology for a structured, maintenance-friendly, and flexibly expandable system integration.

• KVM-ready base for pre-configured 19-inch technology integration

• Knürr® Lumax LED workstation lights for even, glare-free illumination

• Custom branding applied to the desks

Additional Technical Highlights

• Electrically height-adjustable work and monitor surfaces for individual adaptation to different user requirements

• Structured, integrated power and cable management

• Curved work surfaces for ergonomically optimized operating and viewing areas

• Acoustic solutions and speech-optimized sound systems for ideal acoustic conditions at the workplace

• Modular system architecture for the future integration of additional displays and components

• LED indicator lights with an additional sound function for easy detection of relevant status messages

• Workstation lighting optimized for low ambient light levels in darkroom environments

• Planning, manufacturing, delivery, and on-site installation

The Results and Benefits

Ergonomics and Performance in 24/7 Operation

The height-adjustable work and monitor surfaces allow for individual adaptation to different user profiles. Combined with the curved work surface and uniform workplace lighting specifically tailored to the darkroom environment, this creates ergonomically optimized conditions for focused and efficient work during continuous shift operations.

Optimal Overview of the Situation

The two-row monitor arrangement allows for the clear integration of multiple displays while offering flexible expansion options. Combined with the offset work surface and coordinated sightlines, both the workstation-specific monitors and the central monitor wall remain clearly visible, enabling complex information scenarios to be quickly grasped and processed.

High-Performance Technology Integration

The integrated technical areas provide a structured foundation for housing specialized IT, communications, and display technology. Defined cable routing, 19-inch shelves, and workstation-specific power supply components facilitate installation, maintenance, and technical adjustments.

Clear Communication and Quick Status Recognition

Voice-optimized speaker systems support clear information transmission. Combined visual and audible signaling enables unambiguous identification and quick recognition of relevant operational and status messages.

Future-Proofing and Scalability

The modular system architecture is designed to accommodate technical upgrades and changing operational requirements. Additional displays and components can be flexibly integrated without having to rebuild the underlying workstation concept. The follow-up order confirms the solution’s scalability and enables the consistent expansion of the existing control room infrastructure.