The activities performed by the the department of Optical Information Systems revolve around the design, development, calibration, deployment and operation of optical sensor systems. The expertise which has been amassed by this facility, a spin-oft of the Institute of Space Sensor Technology and Planetary Exploration at DLR, is derived from many years of experience in developing opto electronic sensors for terrestrial observation and space exploration.The activities performed by the the department of Optical Information Systems revolve around the design, development, calibration, deployment and operation of optical sensor systems. The expertise which has been amassed by this facility, a spin-oft of the Institute of Space Sensor Technology and Planetary Exploration at DLR, is derived from many years of experience in developing opto electronic sensors for terrestrial observation and space exploration.
The systematic use of these technologies in airborne and terrestrial applications has resulted in the development of further areas ot activity. At the same time, high-quality commercial products have been developed in conjunction with industry.
Business Fields
Optical Information Systems
The focal point of the work of the business field lies in the development of optical systems for applications in space to the measurement and estimation of physical data clusters. Through the targeted development of derivatives, many additional fields of application are opened. Collective work based on the application of theoretical system models result in the conceiving and realization of modular optical, mechanical and electronic components as well as at-sensor data processing contained in these optical systems. At the same time the calibration and the validation of the systems become critical. This integrated approach enables the finding of optimal solutions for dedicated applications. The corporate goal of this business field is to develop intelligent sensors that are capable of producing user relevant data in real-time.
The focal points of this business field are:
§ Theoretical system modelling and simulation of opto-electronic sensors in their environment to the optimization of system parameters and recording conditions
§ Sensors for geometric, spectral and radiometric high resolution systems (IR, hyperspektral, VIS)
§ Real time systems on basis of customer specific designs and hardware operating systems
§ Image processing algorithms for optical sensor systems
§ System-Engineering for optical sensor systems and system components
§ Geometric, radiometric and spectral calibration of optical systems
The main goals for the next years, current projects and the disciplines necessary for that can be found in following grouping:
§ HiRes: High resolution In-Orbit-Instruments (better than 0.5m GSD)
· Projects: HDTV, MFC, TDI-Panorama, Kompsat-3, 3D city models
· Skills: CCD-Arrays, TDI-Sensors, HighRes-TDI, Hybrid-CCD, calibration
§ HiSpec: Control of hyperspectral technology from 400nm to 14µm (VIS…IR)
· Projects: Infrared-Signature-Camera, EnMap, MERTIS
· Skills: MCT-Arrays, Bolometer, IR-Sandwich, calibration
§ HiProc: Real time data processing for user specific products
· Skills: Algorithms, Real-time-OS, FPGA-design, HW-operating systems
Space Systems
The goal to reach higher geometrical and temporal resolution of a spaceborne remote sensing system related with economic efficiency will push new small satellite technologies. Requirements for small power consumption and smaller satellite dry-mass will lead to higher complexity, autonomy, better compact structure and energy density. Higher data volumes and data rates must be handled adequately. Multi-spectral, multi-temporal and multi-sensor payload platforms necessitate special satellite configurations or satellite constellations.
In this business field, the work concentrates on the development of algorithms, technologies and components for small satellites, space flight systems and also for simulation, verification and test. An integrated approach is accomplished, from the concept and implementation of modular mechanical and electronic components, the integration of payloads up to the at-sensor data analysis for space-flight system components, in which the system-engineering, i.e. the software, as well as the hardware-development, plays an essential role and enables the development of optimal solutions for dedicated applications. The goal of this business field is to develop innovative small satellites that can be used as a universal platform for different space applications, as well as in the strategic development of engineering capabilities in the space-flight area.
The main topic of small satellite technologies addresses the following focal points:
§ System engineering for small satellite systems
§ Mission planning, control
§ Smart and robust satellite bus
§ Attitude control, commanding
§ Data handling for small satellites
§ Component design (power, telemetry)
§ Real time error diagnostics
§ Check-out equipment
In the area of Software-Engineering the following rank first:
§ Establishment and monitoring of software development process
§ Software design
§ Configuration management
§ Testing of software
The main goals, current projects and the disciplines necessary for that can be found below:
§ SmartSat: Innovative, cost effective small satellites as universal platforms in space
· Projects: BIRD, TET108, TET210
· Skills: System engineering, power, attitude, On-Orbit georeferencing
· Testlab (air-bearing system) for the evaluation of sensors and actuators for attitude and navigation.
§ CMMI: Software Engineering for dedicated applications using the guidelines of the Capability Maturity Model
· Projects: VIRTIS, PSF, COROT, MERTIS
· Skills: Software engineering