The TanDEM-X control room at DLR Oberpfaffenhofen. The transition to close formation flight was initiated and monitored from here.

Researchers from DLR Oberpfaffenhofen managed the approach to the final flight formation. With the help of an orbital manoeuvre, they reduced the orbital period of TanDEM-X so that the satellite could close the 20 kilometre gap between it and TerraSAR-X. By means of two additional manoeuvres, the distance between the satellites was further reduced; it is now is about 350 metres.