The small and modular Base Platform provides basic functionality to accommodate a crew of three astronauts permanently.
Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).
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After ISS, the Orbital Hub consisting of crewed Base Platform and autonomous Free Flyer ensures continuation of human space flight in Low Earth Orbit.
The Free Flyer as first item of the Orbital Hub scenario is docking to existing ISS during its first mission.
Orbital hub: ISS successor.
Low Thrust Transfer from an Earth orbit to Moon orbit and back with the help of lunar gravity assist.
Model validation and spacecraft optimisation process.
Low-cost mission to the Martian moon, Deimos, in collaboration with AMSAT-DL.
The study of orbital structures / architectures on a conceptual level (satellites, probes and astronautical systems)
Within the field of concept development for satellites and human spaceflight (KoSBeR), a wide range of space missions are studied, and the corresponding system and mission analyses are carried out. These concept studies (phase 0/A) focus on orbital structures and architectures (e.g., satellites, probes and human space flight). In addition, DLR runs a network, which may enable experts from other departments, institutes or external bodies to draw on one another's knowledge. Concepts are developed, designs are carried out on a subsystem level (e .g. orbital analysis, life support systems, analysis of debris impact risk) and frequently asked questions on accommodation, instrument interfaces, budgets, operations and costs can be addressed. In this regard, internationally known systems and visions are researched, the future capabilities of German and European space flight are developed, and the missing and available skill sets within the corresponding fields are identified.
In the field of astronautics, ATV technology is used to analyse the technical feasibility and operational scenarios of European space transportation (BERT/ATV evolution). In addition, in collaboration with the scientific, space operations and robotics communities, ISS succession concepts for astronautical activities within Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are also being studied. Plans for a study to investigate an astronautical mission to near-Earth asteroids (such as Apophis) have also been put forward. The study would be based on technologies developed in Europe (CERMIT) and would provide research infrastructure for further development of closed life support systems (FLaSH).
Plans have also been drafted for satellite missions to explore the Moon, Mars and the Sun. The key to obtaining successful results from these studies is the intensive cooperation of the scientists involved. Satellite systems can even be used in areas such as climate change; in other words, the detection of greenhouse gasses, and would allow for both global and local coverage.
Implementation / accompanied by CE studies
Concurrent engineering is an efficient method for implementing these concept studies (also see CEF). All space missions of the Institute of Space Systems go through the process of concept development (e.g., AISat, MASCOT, Eu:CROPIS).
Mission support during the later project phases (e.g., orbital analysis, payload, debris protection)
As well as preliminary development, the KoSBeR group is also responsible for the subsequent project/mission phases, such as orbital analysis, payload interface definition, and radiation and debris analysis.
The group is also involved in the development of methods and tools for system designs and mission analysis.