The expertise in the Space Segment Systems Analysis department includes concept design for orbital systems and planetary infrastructures (in particular for satellites, probes, greenhouses and ISRU technologies) as well as systems and concurrent engineering (CE) in project phases 0, A and partly B.
Orbital Hub
After the ISS, the Orbital Hub, consisting of the inhabited base platform and the autonomous Free Flyer, will ensure the continuation of astronautical space travel in low Earth orbit.
The large-scale research facility CEF (Concurrent Engineering Facility) and the Planetary Infrastructure Laboratory (PI Laboratory) are operated with the involvement of many external and internal partners for corresponding design, research and development tasks.
The studies and developments carried out in the System Analysis Space segment serve in part as preparation for activities in the field of systems engineering.
For the system analyses, the department develops and uses qualitative and quantitative computer-aided methods to evaluate space concepts in terms of applicability, feasibility, acceptance, costs and benefits.
The results of the system analysis are used to develop decision-making aids and recommendations for policy and program development. The aim is to further develop and manage national and European space travel in the long term and to sustainably strengthen Germany's position as a space location in international competition.
The organizational unit is divided into two research groups:
Concept Development Satellites & Human Spaceflight (KoSPeR) and
Planetary Infrastructures (PI).
The department also covers the area of mission analysis at concept level.
