Space

Space research at DLR

The space around our planet is an indispensable resource in the 21st century. It hosts critical infrastructure and provides essential services to support modern life on Earth, such as communication and navigation, weather forecasting and climate and environmental monitoring. At DLR, more than 20 institutes dedicated to space research are working to develop and test space technologies and gain new insights that deliver significant societal and economic benefits. At the same time, we aim to shape space activities to be safe, resilient and sustainable.

Strategy and programme

As a leading international space research organisation, DLR is committed to driving innovation and shaping safe, secure, sustainable and competitive space activities. Our space research programme covers a broad spectrum across seven programme areas, ranging from rocket testing, Earth observation data and satellite-based communication and navigation systems, to space debris tracking and the exploration of the Solar System.

Research infrastructure

DLR has numerous large-scale research facilities at its disposal for space research, such as rocket test stands, wind tunnels, control rooms and receiving stations, or data archives and processing systems for satellite operations. The facilities are not only used for DLR's own projects, they are also accessible to customers and partners.

Featured topics

At the edge of the possible

Quantum technologies

Re-entry and landing technologies

Reusable space transport

Re­turn to the Moon

Artemis Pro­gramme

Data for climate research

Study­ing the Earth sys­tem from space

Projects and missions

Mars Express

DLR's High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA's Mars Express spacecraft has been mapping Mars in unprecedented resolution, in three dimensions and in colour since 2004. Its data are an essential resource for current and future Mars research. The insights obtained during the course of the mission have massively changed our understanding of the Red Planet's geological development.

MMX – Martian Moons eXploration

The two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, are the target of the Japanese exploration mission 'Martian Moons eXploration', MMX for short. DLR and the French space agency CNES are involved with a lander that will explore Phobos on the surface for several weeks.

News

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Multimedia

Large antenna in Weilheim
DLR's ground station in Weilheim, 60 kilometres south-west of Munich, which was commissioned in 1969, is the link between Earth and satellites. The 30 meter large antenna is used to verify GNSS signals.
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The new Vulcain 2.1
The new Vulcain 2.1 engine will carry the future Ariane 6 launcher into space and is currently being tested at DLR's site in Lampoldshausen.
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Links

German Space Agency at DLR

The German Space Agency at DLR (formerly DLR Space Administration) acts as Germany’s space agency and, in this capacity, implements the Federal Government’s space strategy. It has approximately 300 employees and is based in Bonn.

Institutes and facilities

At DLR, more than 20 institutes involved in space research are working on developing and testing technologies and gaining insights for the benefit of society and Earth.

Jobs and careers

Whether you are a sci­en­tist, en­gi­neer, tech­ni­cian or are look­ing to take up an ap­pren­tice­ship - DLR of­fers ex­cit­ing ca­reer op­por­tu­ni­ties for a wide range of tal­ents. Take a look at all our va­can­cies and find in­for­ma­tion about get­ting start­ed.

CEAS Space Journal

The CEAS Space Journal publishes scientific, peer-reviewed articles covering all areas of space research worldwide. Founded under the umbrella of CEAS (Council of European Aerospace Societies), the journal is supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Space Agency (ESA). It is published by Springer Verlag both online and six times a year as an issue.

Downloads

Brochure: Space research at DLR (2019)

6.1 MB | PDF