DLR is the Federal Republic of Germany's research centre for aeronautics and space. We conduct research and development activities in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. The German Space Agency at DLR plans and implements the national space programme on behalf of the federal government. Two DLR project management agencies oversee funding programmes and support knowledge transfer.
Climate, mobility and technology are changing globally. DLR uses the expertise of its 55 research institutes and facilities to develop solutions to these challenges. Our 10,000 employees (as of February 2021) share a mission – to explore Earth and space and develop technologies for a sustainable future. In doing so, DLR contributes to strengthening Germany's position as a prime location for research and industry.
Facts and figures
DLR has 30 locations in Germany: Cologne (headquarters), Aachen, Aachen-Merzbrück, Augsburg, Berlin, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Cochstedt, Cottbus, Dresden, Geesthacht, Göttingen, Hamburg, Hanover, Jena, Jülich, Lampoldshausen, Neustrelitz, Oberpfaffenhofen, Oldenburg, Rheinbach, Stade, St. Augustin, Stuttgart, Trauen, Ulm, Weilheim and Zittau. DLR also has offices in Brussels, Paris, Tokyo and Washington D.C.
In the fiscal year 2020, DLR's budget for research and operations was 1261 million euro, 44 percent of which was third-party funding acquired through competitive tendering. The space budget managed by DLR amounted to 1552 million euro (excluding EUMETSAT). Of this, the German contribution to financing the European Space Agency (ESA) was 945 million euros. Consequently, the ESA share accounted for 61 percent of the total space budget. Around 305 million euros were allocated to the National Space Programme, which accounts for a share of 20 percent. For the research and technology sector, the total amount was around 301 million euros. The research space sector thus accounted for 19 percent of the total space budget. The DLR Projektträger funding was 2240 million euros and the Project Management Agency for Aeronautics Research and Technology had a budget of 202 million euros.
You can find more information on budget, revenue and various statistical data under DLR in facts and figures (German only).
Working at DLR
DLR’s performance is based on its well trained and highly motivated employees, who are able to continue their training while at DLR. Equal opportunities are a top priority. Flexible working hours, part-time employment and special support measures ensure that work and family life can be satisfactorily combined. Equal opportunities are a top priority. Flexible working hours, part-time employment and special support measures ensure that work and family life can be easily combined. Current vacancies can be found on the DLR career portal.
Video: DLR at a glance — international sign language
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