The Institute of Space Research

Ganymed Laser Altimeter (GALA) on JUICE Space probe
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The DLR Institute of Space Research is a world-leading competence center for optical sensor systems and their application in planetary research, Earth observation and security. Based on this, we expand humanity's understanding of the formation and development of our planetary system and find solutions to protect life on Earth. With around 300 employees, we cover the entire development chain from the research idea to the design, construction and verification of instruments and their operational use, right through to processing, scientific analysis and archiving of the data obtained. We are partner for universities, research institutes, industry, public authorities and political decision-makers and work closely with them.

The Institute of Space Research emerged from the the DLR -Institutes of Optical Sensor Systems and Planetary Research. It makes important contributions to the implementation of the German space strategy as well as to the science and exploration programs of the European Space Agency ESA, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA and other space organizations. We play a leading role in national and international space missions and help to shape them. In this way, we contribute to answering some of the fundamental questions of our time and contribute to solving major societal challenges such as climate change and security.

The Institute focuses on the following topis:

Optical sensor systems

The focus is on cameras, spectrometers, radiometers and laser altimeters in the UV, visible, infrared and terahertz spectral range. Our advanced instruments are on board of more than 20 national and international space missions of ESA, NASA, JAXA and KARI. With the development of sensor-related algorithms for information processing, we are laying the foundation for autonomous optical sensor systems.

Planetary Research

We use our instruments to study the formation and evolution of planets, moons, asteroids and comets and to investigate the conditions that enable habitable environments in our solar system and in extrasolar planetary systems. We use methods of remote sensing, in-situ analysis, numerical modeling, and the study of samples in the field and in the laboratory. Our research contributes to understanding the uniqueness of the Earth and averting threats from approaching asteroids. We play a leading role in the planning of novel instruments and new space missions.

Earth observation

Our optical sensor systems provide information on the status and development of ecosystems and the Earth's atmosphere. By this means, we make an important contribution to a better understanding of complex, coupled environmental systems and global climate change. Using our space instruments, we are helping to ensure that the Earth's natural resources are used in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Security

With our optical instruments, we support authorities and organizations with security tasks in research issues and operational tasks. We thus make important contributions to civil protection and disaster relief.

Department Extrasolar Planets and Atmospheres

Our expertise is the detection and precise characterisation of extrasolar planets and in the modelling of planetary atmospheres, with a focus on the conditions that make planets habitable.

Department High-Speed Electronics

Our expertise is the detection and precise characterisation of extrasolar planets and in the modelling of planetary atmospheres, with a focus on the conditions that make planets habitable.

Department In-Situ Sensing

The department In-Situ Sensing researches and develops methods for in-situ measurements on planetary bodies such as Mars, the Moon and asteroids.

Department Planetary Geodesy

Department Planetary Geodesy studies fundamental properties of planets as global shape, topography, gravity field, rotation, and orbital motion are, moons, asteroids, and comets.

Department Planetary Geology

The key activities of the department Planetary Geophysics are the theoretical modeling of structure and evolution of planetary bodies…

Department Planetary Laboratories

The department Planetary Laboratories combines a wide and highly complementary range of laboratory setups.

Department Planetary Physics

The goal of the department Planetary Gophysics is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the internal structure and thermochemical evolution of planetary bodies, including interactions between the interior and the atmosphere.

Department Planetary Sensor Systems

Department Planetary Sensor Systems is an engineering group specialized in the design and development of instruments for scientific planetary exploration missions.

Department Real-Time Data Processing

The department Real-Time Data Processing focusses on the development and evaluation of models, algorithms and data processing chains for optical sensors.

Department Security Research and Applications

The department Security Research and Application combines the Institute's activities in the field of civil security and defense.

Department Space Instruments

The department Space Instruments focusses mainly on the instrument development for ESA and NASA missions.

Department Terahertz and Laser Spectroscopy

The department of Terahertz and Laser Spectroscopy has a long track record in instrumentation development for and application of laser-based spectroscopic techniques..

Contact

Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers

Institute Director
Institute of Space Research
Rutherfordstraße 2, 12489 Berlin-Adlershof