DLR - Space Operations and Astronaut Training

German Space Operations Center (GSOC)

Mission Operations (GSOC)

The Mission Operations division fulfills the project related operational tasks associated with manned and unmanned space missions. The main tasks include the planning and preparation of projects, the definition of ground system requirements, mission planning, the generation of operation procedures as well as tests, trainings and simulations. The actual mission comprises Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) of 2-4 weeks duration and a subsequent Commissioning & Routine Phase. Professional preparation is required for a safe LEOP and the transition into the Routine Phase. The Mission Operations department also represents DLR and GSOC externally, dealing directly with the customers while being supported by other GSOC departments.

Mission Operations also plays a major role in the preparation and execution of satellite operations. Safety and success of space flight missions is based on a reliable, cost-efficient and flexible Mission Operations System. The concept of Multi-Mission Operations at GSOC permits efficient operation by harmonizing the tasks in the different projects. Therefore capacity fluctuations are minimized and superfluous developments can be avoided.

Head: T. Kuch

Spaceflight Technology (GSOC)

The Space Flight Technology division is committed to research in the areas of navigation, automation, communication and provides support services in the areas of flight dynamics as well as web technology.

Research
The R&D efforts of the Space Flight Technology division have been merged in the R&D program "Guided Autonomy". One objective is to reduce the routine workload for the operators by developing and employing innovative procedures and focusing on key functions. Another goal is to increase the performance and reliability in space missions and to find new applications for such missions. The main areas covered are

Autonomous Navigation
Communication
Intelligent Ground Systems

The space and ground segment receive equal attention. A common interest in all planned and current projects is a swift demonstration in pilot projects and application in operational missions.

Head: T. Rupp

Ground Stations and Communications (GSOC)

Spacecraft operations require the transmission and receiption of data signals from and to the spacecraft. This service is provided by an operational ground data transfer system which is part of the division "Communications and Ground Stations". The main tasks of the area data transfer include:

Operation of the Ground Segment including:
- Antenna Facilities
- Communication Systems
- Control Center Systems
Reception/Transmission of:
- Telemetry
- Commands
- Tracking Data
Operation of the GSOC Ground Station at Weilheim, 35 km south-west of Oberpfaffenhofen. This antenna complex has the capability of tracking the spacecraft and exchanging data with four S-band antennas and one Ku-band antenna.

Additional tasks and projects include upgrading, maintenance, configuration and operation of the antennas. Planning and implementation of communication interfaces to external ground stations and planning, implementation and operation of a global network for the transmission of video/audio signals and miscellaneous data.

Head: F. Exter

Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC )

MUSC (Microgravity User Support Center), the German user support center for space science, supports scientists in the fields of materials physics and aerospace medicine as well as astrophysics with the preparation, execution and evaluation of experiments in space. This is achieved with the scientific/technical know-how accumulated at MUSC and the according infrastructure. Tasks of the MUSC comprise the preliminary research on functionally identical ground models of the flight hardware, on-orbit operation of the flight hardware and finally the experiment analysis along with the archiving of science data.

Head: R. Willnecker

Mobile Rocket Base

is in charge of planning, preparing and executing a large variety of sounding rocket missions.

Head: P. Turner

Astronaut Training

is responsible for the German contribution to the European Astronaut Center at Cologne.

Head: acting R. Lentzen

Controlling and Akquisition

is in charge of all technical and commercial issues.

Head: M. Brandthaus

Institute brochure (6.22 MB)

Organigram of the institute (1.12 MB)