Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center

KeyVisual RSC³
The Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center is building up a technology base in the context of "Responsive Space" and carrying out corresponding technology demonstrations.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has established a national Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center (RSC³) with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg). The RSC³ implements the Responsive Space Capabilities research program both inside and outside DLR by exploiting the synergies between civil and defense technology research and building a national network of research, academia, industry and users. The competence center acts as a coordinator and catalyst and serves as a central point of contact. Internationally, the RSC³ participates in the NATO Science and Technology Organization (NATO STO), the EU's European Defense Fund (DEFIS EDF: https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/european-) and the Responsive Space Capabilities Memorandum of Understanding (RSC MoU).

The RSC³ was founded on September 1st, 2020 as part of the AeroSpace Park at the DLR site in Trauen (Lower Saxony).

Vision: "Defence-ready, resilient and sustainable space infrastructure"

Responsive Space

Responsive Space is the capability to respond short-term needs through the rapid deployment of small satellites, also known as Responsive Launch, or the reconfiguration of space systems already in use.

Responsive Space increases the resilience of critical space infrastructure and serves as a deterrent by replacing failed capabilities, expanding existing ones, or deploying new capabilities.

RS Segments

RSC³ Mission Statement

"Setup the technology base for a national Responsive Space capability (embedded in EU/NATO) and demonstrating innovative technologies in an operational environment."

The applications range from the classic areas of satellite communication, reconnaissance and surveillance, positioning and navigation, space situational awareness, space weather and missile early warning. New subject areas include servicing, assembly, manufacturing as well as access, mobility and logistics on-orbit and in-space.

AeroSpacePark Trauen – Vision 2035
Space-based systems are playing an increasingly important role in security in Germany and Europe. The critical infrastructure of space must be protected. This includes the ability to equip small satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms with instruments and sensors for communication, navigation and earth observation within a few days or even hours, to place them in near-earth orbits and operate them there. In short, this is known as 'Responsive Space' capability. The starting signal for the AeroSpacePark Trauen was given at the DLR site in Trauen on September 1, 2020. It is intended to serve as a center for bundling national expertise in the field of 'Responsive Space'. Technologies in the entire architecture, consisting of space, ground, launch and mission segments, are to be investigated and further developed in Trauen. As the center for aerospace research in Germany, DLR has the expertise in the diverse areas of technology required to implement Vision 2035.

Contact

Dr. Andreas Ohndorf

Managing Director
German Aerospace Center
Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center
29328 Fassberg
Germany

Dr. Hans-Albert Eckel

Chief of Staff
German Aerospace Center
Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center
29328 Fassberg
Germany

Wolfgang Jung

Head of Technology
German Aerospace Center
Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center
29328 Fassberg
Germany