Earth observation is one of the most important tools for understanding climate change, assessing countermeasures, identifying future developments at an early stage, and providing necessary, local, targeted support. The Institute of Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensor Technology of the German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.) is primarily dedicated to research and development of new ways to observe the Earth's gravitational field. The DLR - SI therefore sets itself the following goals:
Another focus of the institute is the development of quantum optical systems for inertial sensing. These are deployed in Earth observation missions, but, primarily, for navigation in GNSS denied areas: