DLRmagazine 178 (November 2025)

A big future for the small

So small they fit in the palm of your hand – and yet complete, fully functional satellites: CubeSats 10 by 10 by 10 centimetres in size are among the most widely used of the small satellites. Like their larger 'siblings', they are deployed for Earth observation, space research and satellite communications. The little ones are however inexpensive, flexible and when deployed in swarms of hundreds or even thousands, can cover vast areas of Earth's surface. This makes small satellites ideally suited for new applications, too – like protecting our energy grids.

Read full coverstory

What drives us ...

Patrick Jochem
DLR Institute of Networked Energy System
Credit:
© DLR. All rights reserved

“We’d often talk about the energy transition around the kitchen table. With cars, I was able to experience it personally. Now the challenge is to also implement the transition efficiently in the electricity system.”

Read more in The world behind the socket

Kai Bongs
DLR Institute of Quantum Technologies
Credit:
© DLR. All rights reserved

”The importance of quantum physics in our daily lives is reflected in DLR research – for example, through quantum clocks for satellite navigation.”

Tina Jurkat-Witschas
DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics
Credit:
© DLR. All rights reserved

“More exciting than a thriller: From the ground I was able to follow the first contrail measurements from hydrogen engines – an important step in assessing the climate impact of this technology.”

“In 2018, a colleague said to me: ‘Everyone is talking about the circular economy. What’s in it for aviation? If anyone can make it happen, it’s you.’ I’ve achieved quite a bit since then.”

The world behind the socket

DLR is researching how to ensure a resilient, secure and renewable energy supply that is affordable for everyone.

"Where does the quantum world begin?"

Interview with Rainer Blatt (University of Innsbruck) and Kai Bongs (DLR Institute of Quantum Technologies)

Autonomy and flexibility for the last mile

In the IMoGer (Innovative modular mobility made in Germany) project, DLR is developing a mobility concept unique in its versatility and practicality.

Tracking a sea change

Igor Klein is an expert in earth observation and derives information on changes in land cover and land use from satellite data.

Fully automated business consultant

Chatbot Rosie is an approach for bringing the benefits of AI to many entrepreneurs working with a tight budget.

Dreaming of the circle

Aviation should be climate-friendly by 2050. Achieving this goal will require a fully circular industry - from the reusability of raw materials and components to the optimisation of maintenance processes.

Mysterious and important

A field report from a test subject who is being shielded from daylight in a study to make aviation safer with the help of AI.

Curious about everything

A visit to the Experimenta in Heilbronn

On the trail of flight

Friedrich Ahlhorn was one of the first in Germany to systematically study aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. Using experimental apparatus he built himself, zoologist and physicist he succeeded in visualising flows in water and documenting them on glass plate negatives.

Human and machine

The DLR-Spin-off Versatile Robotics GmbH develops innovative control software that enables robots to operate safely while maintaining high precision, stability, and flexibility alongside humans.

Infographic

The multi-pronged CUSTODIAN project for an integrated response

Insight I

The remote-ontrolled colleague

It was the successful conclusion of a four-year technology demonstration: in July this year, as part of the 'Surface Avatar' project, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim worked from the International Space Station ISS together with various robots on a simulated Martian surface at DLR's site in Oberpfaffenhofen. Among other tasks, Kim remotely commanded a DLR robot named Bert. What the astronaut didn't know beforehand: the experiment team had programmed in a malfunction, requiring Kim and Bert to spontaneously solve an unforeseen problem together – in this case, Bert's jammed leg. To restore stable movement, Kim had Bert tried out different gaits and evaluated them until, using reinforcement learning software, Bert had found a working strategy. With this, the pair could complete their mission: collecting rock samples and exploring a cave. As intelligent assistants to astronauts, robots are expected in the future to plan and carry out tasks on the Moon and beyond – acting as avatars for human operators. Driven by advancements in AI and machine learning, spin-offs from space robotics could also be realised in other industrial sectors.

Insight II

World first over Nevada

This is the first-ever flight test to measure contrails produced by the direct combustion of hydrogen (H₂). The experiment was part of an international collaboration, led by Airbus, in which two identical gliders were fitted with turbojet engines and towed to altitude by a Grob Egrett aircraft, before powering up and flying solo. The key difference between them: the Blue Condor glider ran on hydrogen, while the other used kerosene. Flying at an altitude of 32,000 feet (almost ten kilometres) – the typical altitude of long-distance commercial jets – researchers from the DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics measured trace gases, aerosols and contrail ice crystals in each aircraft's exhaust plume. Seen here before measurements began is the view from above Blue Condor's tailplane. A thin tow rope is visible on the left, attached to the nose of the kerosene-powered glider ahead. Just under the towed-glider's wing (on the right in the photo) are small wisps of clouds emanating from Blue Condor’s hydrogen exhaust, which emerges as a thin contrail, varying in its density. Contrails typically form in the wake of aircraft with combustion engines and can develop into cirrus clouds, which are a major contributor to aviation's climate impact. Future technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft could not only eliminate carbon dioxide emissions entirely, but also substantially reduce their 'non-CO₂' effects – including aerosols and contrails – compared with kerosene-fuelled aircraft.

Insight III

Follow me ... discreetly

Here, two trains travel one behind the other at a distance from 15 to 80 metres. The individual cars are not mechanically coupled but connected only digitally. For this to work, the train sections must continuously communicate with each other and exchange highly accurate data about their respective position and speed. This virtual coupling is no small feat, given that trains in regular operation often have a braking distance of several hundred metres to a kilometre, marking a major step towards automated rail transport. As part of the FP2-R2DATO project, the DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation has developed a new type of radio system for virtual coupling. It was successfully tested in spring 2025 at the Dutch state railway's test site in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. The project is funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The FP2-R2DATO project is supported by Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking and its members.

Download the DLRmagazine 178