## Vertex Antennentechnik: Bridging the Gap to the Big Bang
### The Challenge of High Altitude
Without supplemental oxygen, Peter Fasel would struggle to perform his job at a staggering altitude of 5,600 meters in the Chilean Atacama Desert. The air is so thin that it poses a serious risk to those who are not acclimatized. Emerging from his vehicle, he dons his sunglasses and shoulder-mounted oxygen tank. The scene is somewhat jovial as a crew member calls out, “Mr. Fasel, a selfie!” Standing before a massive machine, Fasel represents Vertex Antennentechnik’s commitment to reaching back in time, capturing cosmic light from the dawn of the universe.
### Innovative Design
Fasel gestures toward a structure that resembles more of a futuristic container than cutting-edge technology. At its heart is a rectangular steel cage that houses two six-by-six-meter aluminum mirrors, designed to capture the universe’s oldest light. “This is the most precise telescope we’ve ever built,” he claims, noting the staggering 250,000 hours that his engineers have committed. This project underscores the continuing relevance of German technology on the global stage, though it also reveals a potential dilemma: after so much effort, Fasel may not turn a profit from the telescope.
### Vertex: A Legacy of Excellence
To truly appreciate the significance of this endeavor, one must delve deeper into Vertex’s rich history. For over 60 years, the company has focused on developing some of the world’s most advanced antennas and telescopes. Initially part of the Krupp conglomerate, the company branched off in 1993 and has since specialized in antenna systems and high-precision telescopes for space research. Vertex stands as one of only a handful of firms globally capable of engineering such intricate devices.
Its competitors include a subsidiary of the Bremen-based aerospace company OHB and Wiesbaden’s Mtex, both vying for a limited number of prestigious clients, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Despite having built a name among significant players in the industry, Fasel admits, “Despite our achievements, hardly anyone in Duisburg knows us.”
### Global Reach and Achievements
Vertex has executed projects across all seven continents, and its engineers have even worked in Antarctica. In the Atacama Desert alone, 34 antennas designed by Vertex are operational. Fasel points to large, white antenna dishes situated 500 meters below the telescope, referring to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), the world’s largest radio telescope array. Remarkably, 25 out of its 66 antennas originated from Duisburg, enabling the first image of a black hole to be captured seven years ago. “Personally, it’s a point of pride to be involved in such significant endeavors,” he expresses.
### The Path to Entrepreneurship
Peter Fasel, now 59, found himself naturally gravitating toward entrepreneurship, given his family’s history in business. His parents operated a boiler construction company in Duisburg, but he longed to carve out his own path. After dropping out of school, he apprenticed as a mechanic, later earning his high school diploma and pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.
His journey brought him into the fold at Krupp, where he began as an engineer and gradually ascended to the role of Managing Director. “It’s fulfilling to work on visions rather than merely adjusting the right door lock at VW,” he remarks, highlighting his motivation that has guided the company to its current success, employing over 100 individuals.
### Looking Forward: The Quest for Talent
Today, Fasel is on a relentless quest for talent. Since 2015, Vertex’s workforce has nearly doubled. The company competes for some of the most coveted skilled professionals in the industry: civil engineers, mechanical engineers, physicists, and electrical engineers. Fasel believes that excelling in antenna technology requires not just technical expertise but also immense creativity, stating that not everyone is cut out to work at nearly 6,000 meters above sea level.
In conclusion, Vertex Antennentechnik stands at the forefront of astronomical innovation, continually pushing boundaries. Its projects reflect a profound dedication to technological advancements while simultaneously navigating the challenges of business in a competitive landscape.
