Die InSight-Gesamtstruktur (support system assembly) im Reinraum.
Credit: © DLR, alle Rechte vorbehalten, jegliche Weiterverbreitung verboten.
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Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).
Applikation von Dünnfilmphotovoltaikzellen auf eine entfaltbare Membran.
Complex irradiation facility for degradation investigation of material surfaces
Credit: © DLR, all rights reserved.
Space simulation facility for test under vacuum and thermal boundary conditions
The department focuses on design, realization, and qualification of space mechanisms, membrane applications and thermal control systems. Numerical analysis software tools or customized developments are applied for mechanical and thermal design. Research is conducted to investigate radiation long-term effects on the mechanical and thermal behavior of materials in space.
Membrane-based deployment systems for solar array or drag sail applications are a specific research priority. Besides system aspects for such applications the department focuses on membrane material selection, deployable membranes design and conducts research on material treatment to ensure longevity in space. The material processing for large application manufacturing combined with the integration of photovoltaic elements is a core topic.
Environmental test facilities for vibration, pyroshock, and thermal-vacuum testing are operated for validating analysis models and for qualifying space hardware. They are complemented by radiation testing capabilities combined with thermo-optical properties and outgassing measurements. Continuous improvement of the facilities and non-standard testing capabilities are part the department's research.