Space Re­search at DLR

Strategy and programme

Successful launch of MAPHEUS 14
DLR's MAPHEUS 14 high-altitude research rocket successfully completed its first regular flight with the new Red Kite rocket motor at 08:27 CET on 27 February 2024. Lifting off from the ground in foggy weather at the launch site at the Swedish rocket base in Esrange, it reached an altitude of 265 kilometres.
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SSC

DLR's LRU2 robot during the ARCHES space simulation on Mount Etna
The Lightweight Rover Unit 2 (LRU) during a very unusual outdoor test on Mount Etna. In order to test mission scenarios for robotic exploration on Earth before going to the Moon or Mars, scientists have been looking for places on Earth that come close to the conditions on another celestial body. From 13 June to 9 July 2022, Mount Etna on the Italian island of Sicily will become a 'quasi-Moon', as the volcanic landscape with its granular surface and solidified lava layers resembles the geological composition of the Moon. ARCHES stands for 'Autonomous Robotic Networks to Help Modern Societies'. Researchers use Etna's harsh environment as a 'lunar analogue'. Several rovers, a lander and a drone work together, exploring their surroundings and performing tasks.
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As a leading international space research organisation, DLR is committed to driving innovation and shaping a secure, sustainable and competitive space sector.

Our strategy is guided by three overarching goals:

  • Improving life on Earth
  • Shaping sustainable space
  • Exploring and opening up space

This means we are developing solutions for the spaceflight of tomorrow and applications for a sustainable and safe life on Earth. On top of this, we explore space to better understand the Solar System and help protect Earth from potential threats.

Our approach: system competence and partnerships

DLR research covers the full innovation chain – from scientific and technical fundamentals, their application and further development with users and industrial partners, right through to innovation in the market. Starting with basic research and concepts, we create new solutions, develop prototypes and test them in the lab, on Earth and in space using our research infrastructure – a resource that is unique in Europe. This ensures the necessary technology readiness level for transfer into industrial products or applications for public stakeholders.

We cover the entire system chain of space missions – from individual components such as sensors and subsystems, to launch, space and ground segments, as well as the operation of complex missions in their entirety. With our systems competence, we advise and support institutional stakeholders and public users. At the same time, we act as pioneers and developers of new concepts and technologies – transferring them to industry, benefitting the wider economy and paving the way for innovation in Germany and Europe.

Our space research programme

Our space research covers a wide array of topics, ranging from rocket testing, Earth observation, satellite-based communication and navigation systems, to the tracking of space debris and the exploration of the Solar System.

Our space research programme currently comprises seven programme topics:

Programme topics

Earth Ob­ser­va­tion

Earth observation through remote sensing is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of Earth's system. Leveraging the procedures and methods developed at DLR for the continuous observation, recording and evaluation of the Earth system, we provide reliable information and applications for numerous societal, policy and economic needs.

Space ex­plo­ration

Space exploration focusses on the formation and evolution of the Solar System and fundamental questions about the origin and existence of life in the Universe. Planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets are being carefully examined and explored by means of highly sophisticated remote sensing and innovative in-situ missions to answer three fundamental questions.

Re­search un­der space conditions

The Research under Space Conditions programme concerns itself primarily with investigations in the fields of materials science, plasma physics, medicine and the life sciences. The comparison of experimental results derived in space under microgravity conditions with those obtained on Earth enables an improved understanding of the fundamental mechanisms and processes in these areas.

Com­mu­ni­ca­tions, nav­i­ga­tion and quan­tum tech­nol­o­gy

Modern societies depend on the availability of modern communications and navigation infrastructure. The networked processes in industry, trade and transport require spatially and temporally unrestricted and secure access to the latest data and information in order to produce and offer their goods and services cost-effectively. Digital communications, navigation services and access to other data, information, services and entertainment programmes have also become commonplace in the private sector.

Space trans­porta­tion

The research and development activities carried out by DLR in the Space Transportation programme aim to improve existing launch vehicles, pave the way for future systems and ensure their competitiveness in the international markets served by both private and commercial launch providers. This aims to guarantee the German national government, the EU and ESA independent scientific and economically viable access to space in the future.

Robotics

Robotic systems are an indispensable part of many space activities. DLR's robotics research and development focuses on robotic assistance systems for use in space, on-orbit servicing and planetary exploration robotics.

Space sys­tems tech­nol­o­gy

The Space Systems Technology programme is aimed at developing new and innovative technologies for future space missions. All the essential steps are addressed, from mission concept to design development and technical implementation, and on to the validation of individual components and complete systems under real space conditions.

Contact

Anke Pagels-Kerp

Divisional Board Member for Space
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne