Institute of Space Systems

We are pioneering ground-breaking innovations in space to push the boundaries of what is currently possible, promote sustainability and transfer relevant knowledge to the economy and society.

DLR Bremen, main building
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DLR Bremen, laboratory building
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DLR Bremen, main building
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The Institute of Space Systems in Bremen designs and analyses future spacecraft and space missions (launchers, orbital and exploration systems, and satellites), and assesses them with regard to their technical performance and cost. It applies state-of-the-art methods of multi-disciplinary engineering in system design and analysis – for example, a computerised system for concurrent design.

Our institute aims to develop technologies and methods as well as systems engineering processes and to demonstrate them through the realisation of scientific orbital and deep space missions.

Other focal points are contributions to the further development of Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV) and Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV) as well as re-entry vehicles and propulsion systems.

The management, control and continuous improvement of the entire design process, including the integrated system chain, from the component level through to application-orientated products, are the Institute's mission.

Our Mission

History

Institute Directorate

Video: The Institute of Space Systems and the DLR site in Bremen

Video: The Institute of Space Systems and the DLR site in Bremen

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Video: The Institute of Space Systems and the DLR site in Bremen

Departments in the Institute of Space Systems

Avionics Systems Department

The avionics system is the heart of a space system. All control tasks, any processing of mission data, generation and storage of energy as well as all communication down to the ground are realized by the avionics system.

Landing and Exploration Technologies Department

The Landing and Exploration Technology department researches and develops system-related technologies for landing and return devices and probes for planetary exploration. This also includes the qualification of corresponding subsystems and support for the operational phase.

Navigation and Control Systems Department

Determining and actively controlling the flight state of a spacecraft (position and attitude) is essential to successfully execute and complete space missions. Navigation and control systems are assigned to that task.

Mechanics and Thermal Systems Department

The department focuses on design, realization, and qualification of space mechanisms, membrane applications and thermal control systems. Numerical analysis software tools or customized developments are applied for mechanical and thermal design.

System Analysis Space Segment Department

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.

Space Launcher Systems Analysis Department

The design and analysis of future space launch systems are core tasks in the Space Transportation Systems Analysis department.

Systems Engineering and Project Office Department

The System Engineering and Project Office department deals with the development and realization of complex space missions and bundles the central competencies in the areas of project management, system engineering and assembly, integration and verification (AIV) for project management within the Institute of Space Systems.

Transport and Propulsion Systems Department

The Department of Transport and Propulsion Systems researches and develops transport and propulsion technologies for spacecraft systems. Key research areas include fuel handling in fuel-storing and components and supply components such as the tanks and pipes, most notably for the cryogenic upper stage systems.

Quality Management and Product Assurance Department

The Institute's Quality Management and Product Assurance for Space Systems department has the self-defined mission of to achieve an increased quality of the Institute's results, to process and advance the technical status quo and to contribute to the reliability and safety of selected topics and projects at the Institute.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Andreas Rittweger

Institute Director
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Space Systems
Robert-Hooke-Straße 7, 28359 Bremen