Researchers from DLR Oberpfaffenhofen managed the approach to the final flight formation at the TanDEM-X control room at DLR Oberpfaffenhofen. With the help of an orbital manoeuvre, they were able to reduce the orbital period of TanDEM-X so that the satellite could close the 20 kilometre gap between it and TerraSAR-X. By means of two additional manoeuvres, the distance between the satellites was further reduced; it is now is about 350 metres.