Space

Space research at DLR

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. In doing so, DLR's space research activities encompass a wide range of topics. In addition to involving the design and initiation of projects, missions and applications, these include their successful implementation and the efficient evaluation and analysis of the data obtained. In addition to generating new knowledge and establishing new foundations, DLR is also an indispensable partner to the space industry.

Programme and strategy

Zero-gravity experiments, exploring other planets and observing the terrestrial environment from outer space are among the many space research activities of DLR.

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

Re­turn to the Moon

Artemis Pro­gramme

It has been almost 50 years since astronauts last set foot on the Moon (Apollo 17, December 1972). That is set to change before the end of this decade with NASA's Artemis programme planning to once again land humans on Earth's natural satellite. This time, the mission will also include the first woman to travel to the Moon.

Data for climate research

Study­ing the Earth sys­tem from space

How is Earth changing? Which processes are driving these changes? Instruments on board satellites make it possible to acquire comprehensive information about these matters. They can obtain global inventories and make precise local measurements.

Projects and missions

Galileo

The aim of the civil Galileo system is to make Europe independent of the military-controlled navigation services of the USA (GPS) and Russia (GLONASS) and to provide navigation signals with unprecedented accuracy.

EnMAP

The Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) mission is the first hyperspectral satellite developed and built in Germany. With its two spectrometers, it analyses the solar radiation reflected from Earth’s surface at wavelengths ranging from visible light to short-wave infrared – at a hitherto unparalleled spectral resolution.

News

Programme and strategy
February 24, 2023

Programme and strategy

The content of space research is focused on the needs of society and, in this context, provides numerous new solutions and technology developments for various industrial sectors. At the same time, DLR conducts basic research for pure knowledge gain and for the establishment of new research questions in diverse disciplines.

Featured topics
February 16, 2023

Featured topics

Here, DLR presents a wide range of topics in a generally understandable, clear and factual manner; topics that are relevant to society, the economy and politics, both on a national and international level. The Featured Topics section presents facts and research topics comprehensively and through various multimedia formats, and illustrates the significance of current projects and missions in their respective contexts.

Projects and missions
March 28, 2023

Projects and missions

Satellite remote sensing, the exploration of the Solar System, astronautical missions to the International Space Station ISS and the Moon, and satellite-based navigation – the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) conducts research for the development of scientific and technological principles and their applications. The following list includes both national projects and international missions in which DLR is involved.

Institutes and facilities
February 17, 2023

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.

Research infrastructure
April 6, 2023

Research infrastructure

The construction and operation of large-scale research facilities is a statutory task of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The facilities, as well as the research aircraft and helicopters, enable DLR to carry out its research in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. The research infrastructure is used across institutes and programmes. National and international partners from research and industry can benefit from DLR's infrastructure and know-how

News
February 22, 2023

News

Here you will find the latest news and information from DLR's Space research area. This section will keep you up to date with the most recent events, projects and research results.

Space Exploration
December 31, 1969

Space Exploration

DLR Space: Space Ex­plo­ration – PLA­TO

Space System Technology – Kryo-Labor RY
December 31, 1969

Space System Technology – Kryo-Labor RY

DLR Space: Space Sys­tem Tech­nol­o­gy – Kryo-La­bor RY

The German environmental satellite EnMAP is ready for its mission in space
December 31, 1969

The German environmental satellite EnMAP is ready for its mission in space

The German environmental satellite EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program), which was developed and built in Germany on behalf of the German Space Agency at DLR with funding from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWi). The EnMAP data allow precise conclusions to be drawn about conditions and changes on Earth's surface.

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.
Image: 1/2, Credit:
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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.
Image: 2/2, Credit:
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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.

Downloads

Brochure: Space research at DLR (2019)