The history of DLR's sites

Every site of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has its own history, milestones and unique contributions to research. Dive into the world of innovation – from the early days of aviation to pioneering space missions. On the following pages, you will discover how visionary ideas became reality, and how DLR's sites are shaping the future today. Curious? Browse through the fascinating stories of DLR's sites and discover what makes each of them unique. 

Built to last – DLR's site in Cologne turns 60

There is one thing that has not changed at the DLR site in Cologne between the year of its establishment, 1959, and the present, 2019: construction. Back then, it was the start of something new, and today it represents DLR’s on-going growth. Here, at the headquarters of the Executive Board and the Head Office, the different fields of research – aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation – converge.

The history of DLR site Oberpfaffenhofen – 1937 to 2004

Flugfunk Forschungsinstitut Oberpfaffenhofen (FFO), an independent research facility, was set up in Oberpfaffenhofen in 1937, at around the same time as the Dornier aircraft hangar was being built.

The history of the DLR site in Berlin-Adlershof

The formation deed of the Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt (German Research Institute for Aviation; DVL), a forerunner of the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center; DLR) was signed in April 1912, following the opening of the second European airfield at Berlin-Johannisthal. DLR had to stop working in Berlin-Adlershof after the end of World War II.

DLR's Stuttgart site turns 60

Energy has always been an important matter in Stuttgart – and it goes far beyond the frugal energy-saving approach of the local Swabians. Engineers, hobbyists and ingenious inventors have long been channelling their creative energy into countless innovations, particularly regarding mobility on land, on water and in the air. Founded in 1954, the Research Institute of Jet Propulsion Physics had even greater ambitions – outer space. In 1961, it became the heart of DLR's Stuttgart site.

Test stands keep pace with the times – DLR's Lam­pold­shausen site turns 60

Anyone who visits the DLR site Lampoldshausen is setting foot in one of the most important places in European space history. The 51-hectare site is a hub of modern engine development with strong historical connections.