Our space research strategy and programme

Spaceflight is indispensable in the 21st century. It provides vital infrastructure and services for modern life on Earth – including in communication and navigation, weather forecasting and climate and environmental monitoring. By developing and testing space technologies, we gain knowledge that delivers great societal and economic benefits on Earth. On top of this, we are helping to make spaceflight itself safe, resilient and sustainable.

Anke Pagels-Kerp, Divisional Board Member for Space

Challenges

As an internationally leading aerospace research organisation, we drive innovation and help make the use of space both safe and competitive. In doing so, we pursue three overarching strategic goals – to improve life on Earth, to make spaceflight sustainable and to study, explore and open up space.

Our space research spans from scientific and technical fundamentals to their further development with industry partners and end users, all the way to market maturity. We use our infrastructure, unique in Europe, to build prototypes and put them through their paces in the laboratory, on Earth and in space.

Our work covers the entire system chain – from individual components through to launch, space and ground segments, all the way up to operating entire complex missions. Thanks to our systems expertise, we are able to provide comprehensive advice to public stakeholders and support them in their activities while pioneering and developing novel concepts and technologies. By turning knowledge into marketable solutions in the economy, we pave the way for innovation across Germany and Europe.

Goals of our space research

Our space research programme illustrates how greater sustainability in space can be achieved. Across all programme topics – from space transport and robotics to spacecraft technologies – our research focuses on developing reusable launch systems and 'green' propellants, serviceable satellites and corresponding in-orbit services, as well as detecting and monitoring space objects.

We cover a broad range of topics – including launch system testing, Earth observation data provision, satellite-based communication and navigation systems and the exploration of our Solar System.

Our space research covers the following overarching 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 research focuses on the formation and evolution of the Solar System and fundamental questions about the origin and existence of life in the Universe. We carefully observe and study planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets with highly sophisticated remote sensing and innovative in-situ missions.

Research under space conditions

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

Communication, navigation and quantum technology

Modern societies depend on the availability of cutting-edge communications and navigation infrastructure. The networked processes in industry, trade and transport require unrestricted and secure access to the latest data and information at any time and in any place so that goods and services can be produced and delivered cost-effectively.

Space transportation

DLR's research and development activities within this programme aim to improve existing launch vehicles, pave the way for future systems and ensure their competitiveness in the international market alongside both private and commercial launch providers.

Robotics

Robotic and autonomous systems are an indispensable part of many space activities. Our research includes supporting astronauts through assistance systems (remote or on-site), maintenance and repair systems as on-orbit services, and planetary exploration robotics – the investigation of other celestial bodies with autonomous systems.

Space systems technology

Our space systems technology activities are focused on developing new technologies for future space missions. All the essential steps are covered, from mission concept to design development and technical implementation, and on to the validation of individual components and complete systems – including under real space conditions.

Contact

Anke Pagels-Kerp

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