Research infrastructure

The Institute’s research facilities enable advanced human physiological and psychological examinations, modern imaging processes as well as highly standardised simulations and modification of environmental conditions. This combination of research areas makes the facilities unique. The environmental conditions in question include atmospheric composition and pressure, gravity, noise, radiation and the microbiome. Health research concentrates on the central nervous system and its behaviour, the cardiovascular system and muscle and bone metabolism.

Fundamental research in the fields of radiation, astro- and gravitational biology is carried out in the space simulation facilities and is supplemented by many years of successful, long-term experiments in space. Essential questions regarding life and adaptability are addressed by investigating the environmental conditions on other planets and moons, and their effect on entire life systems. Furthermore, enclosed biological life-support systems essential for long-term space missions as well as for pressing matters on Earth are designed and tested here.

Using the one-of-a-kind :envihab research facility (the name is derived from environment and habitat), the Institute is able to carry out life science research at the highest international level. Thanks to its unique structural and topic-based modular concept, :envihab combines research areas, thus providing much more than just medical research tasks.

The aerospace medicine research facility :envihab in Cologne

In the unique medical research facility :envihab ("environment" = environment and "habitat" = habitat), the effects of extreme environmental conditions on humans and possible countermeasures can be researched on 3,500 square meters.

Research facilities of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine

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In this information sheet you will find an overview of the most important technical data on the Institute's research facilities.

Baromedical Laboratory II

The Baromedical Laboratory II consists of a pressure chamber complex and a separate low-pressure chamber for simulating altered pressure and atmospheric conditions, as well as closed atmospheric cycles.

Biophysical space simulation facility

Research conducted at the Astrobiology Space Simulation Facility is expanding our knowledge about the limits of life on Earth. The research findings enable conclusions to be drawn about the possibility that life could exist – the habitability – of environments on other planets and moons, as well as the impact of a naturally changing or artificially altered environments on Earth.

Microgravity research laboratory

The microgravity research laboratory is a space simulation facility that enables cell cultures and organisms to be preserved and examined under altered gravity.

Aviation and Space Psychology test centre

At the test centre pilots and air traffic controllers are tested to evaluate their professional aptitude.

DLR Short-Arm Centrifuge

The DLR Short-Arm Centrifuge, Module 1 at the :envihab research facility, is a special unit and the only one of its kind in the world, offering enhanced possibilities for researching the effects of altered gravity, especially as a countermeasure to the health risks that occur in microgravity conditions.

Baro Laboratory/preventative and rehabilitation laboratory (Module 2 at :envihab)

Scientists at the Baro Laboratory are able to conduct research into the health and performance of people who live and work in difficult conditions.

Living and simulation facility/residential research facility (Module 3 at :envihab)

The living and simulation area of the high-tech medical research facility :envihab of DLR’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Cologne is a highly complex and completely unique residential research facility.

PET-MRI (Module 4 at :envihab)

The PET-MRI makes it possible to study the physiological changes that can occur in humans on long space flights, among other things. Such insights can in turn be applied to the kinds of physical stress to which people on Earth may be subjected due to unfavourable conditions.

Psychology laboratory (Module 5 at :envihab)

Scientists are using the Psychology Laboratory to investigate how extreme working conditions (for example isolation and stress) can affect the psyche and performance of those affected, and are developing preventative methods that also have applications in medicine.

Biology Laboratory (Module 6 at :envihab)

The molecular and microbiology laboratories are part of the core medical area at :envihab, it allows direct investigation of microbial diversity within the inhabited, closed parts of the research unit.