The European navigation satellite system, Galileo, or global navigation satellite systems in general, have developed over the past few years and decades into a central infrastructure in our modern world. These will in all probability become even more important in upcoming years, e.g. with regard to autonomous driving in the transport sector. DLR has played an important role in this field right from the beginning, with comprehensive and far-reaching research activities, and operation of one of the two Galileo control centers in Oberpfaffenhofen.
In order to continue promoting and actively participate in the development of the future of navigation, the Galileo Competence Center was founded on 27th June 2019. Its primary focus is on the technical implementation and demonstration of potential future concepts and technologies, whereby a scientific basis will be provided by the DLR partners involved in the joint projects. With this focus, the Competence Center at DLR is the first institution of its kind, complementing the existing array of institutes and facilities at DLR.
The start-up character of the Galileo Competence Center is still appreciated by its meanwhile 23 employees, since it encourages free interchange and many discussions. The build-up is ongoing and we plan to have around 40 employees by 2021, and eventually about 150 by 2023.
The founding director of the Galileo Competence Center is Prof. Dr. Felix Huber, Director of Space Operations and the Astronaut Training Facility. Responsibility for the provisional administrative management lies with Harald Hofmann, who was Program Coordinator in the department of Space Research and Technology until 31st December 2019.
Image credit: ©Boris Stroujko - stock.adobe.com