The cryo lab enables experiments and tests to be carried out with cryogenic liquids. It is designed in particular for handling hydrogen, liquid methane and liquid oxygen.
The Concurrent Engineering Facility (CEF) in Bremen is the design laboratory for the System Analysis Space Segment department at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) Institute of Space Systems, where feasibility studies and the early design phases of future space missions are carried out with the aid of concurrent engineering (CE) methodologies.
Visitors' bridge at the German Space Operations Center (GSOC)
The visitors’ bridge – or viewing gallery – looks into the four large control rooms K1-K4. These are equipped for the operation of the European Columbus laboratory as well as various satellite missions.
The Space System Technology programme topic focuses on the development of sustainable and economically viable technologies for future space missions. All technological aspects are covered – from the mission concept, design development and technical implementation through to the validation of individual components and complete systems, including under real space conditions. This ensures that mature, sustainable and reliable technologies are available for demanding scientific and research missions in the future.
At the heart of our research and development work are all relevant system technologies for space systems, particularly for satellites and spacecraft. Current developments in the research topic include:
Research, development and transfer of innovative systems for satellites and planetary missions, such as power supply systems, embedded system architectures, avionics and propulsion systems, multifunctional structures and novel materials
Detection, characterisation, cataloguing and mitigation of space debris
Digital modelling of the life cycle of subsystems and systems through digital twins and the use of digital engineering methods
Promoting sustainability in satellite development through holistic life cycle analysis and system disintegration upon re-entry
Hydrogen for space applications, including in-orbit storage and distribution of cryogenic propellants
Design of a broad range of sensor elements for international missions
Application of various data science methods for design and development, data analysis and service provision
Design and development of planetary infrastructures for food production and in-situ raw material extraction
Continuous development of an efficient and economically viable ground segment to support both robotic and crewed space missions
This systemic research approach enables DLR to provide cost-effective contributions and payload developments for our own extensive research activities as well as for the German and wider European space industries.
