Space Flight Technology

The Space Flight Department consists of three mainly reasearch and development oriented groups an the group Flight Dynamics Services.

GNSS Technology and Navigation The GNSS Technology and Navigation group is comitted to research in the fields of GNSS space applications and autonomous navigation. The focus of the research activities lies on spaceborne GNSS receiver technology, formation flying of spacecraft and high precision navigation with GNSS. Read more

On-orbit Servicing and Autonomy The goal is the development of technologies for the preparation and operation of satellite-service-missions in low-Earth orbit and geostationary orbit. In the autonomy section, the on-board-ground data processing chain for Earth observation missions shall be optimized by the use of intelligent and autonomous on-board systems like real-time evaluation and planning. Read more

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) The SSA Research Group focuses on ensuring that our satellites can operate safely in Space. Dealing with space debris plays a key role in its activities, as do the analysis and development of sensors together with the processing of sensor data. Sensor data is relevant for correlating objects, identifying and predicting their orbits and finally analysing and supporting steps on how collisions can be avoided. Read more

Flight Dynamics System The GSOC Flight Dynamics Team supports the preparation and operation of the space flight missions of GSOC and external clients. The Flight Dynamics System (FDS) comprises personal, processes, software and products with tasks in the areas of orbit and attitude dynamics. Focus lies on orbit determination, orbit control, attitude determination and analysis, as well as the support of ground station antennas, the mission planning system and the payload data centers with orbit and attitude products. Read more

Thomas Rupp Space Flight Technology German Aerospace Center Space Operations and Astronaut Training Oberpfaffenhofen-Wessling Tel.: +49 8153 28-2476 Fax: +49 8153 28-1450