Space

Space research at DLR

At DLR, more than 20 institutes involved in space research are working on developing and testing technologies and gaining insights for the benefit of society and Earth. In doing so, DLR's space research activities encompass a wide range of topics. In addition to involving the design and initiation of projects, missions and applications, these include their successful implementation and the efficient evaluation and analysis of the data obtained. In addition to generating new knowledge and establishing new foundations, DLR is also an indispensable partner to the space industry.

Programme and strategy

Zero-gravity experiments, exploring other planets and observing the terrestrial environment from outer space are among the many space research activities of DLR.

Research infrastructure

DLR has numerous large-scale research facilities at its disposal for space research, such as rocket test stands, wind tunnels, control rooms and receiving stations, or data archives and processing systems for satellite operations. The facilities are not only used for DLR's own projects, they are also accessible to customers and partners.

Featured topics

Re­turn to the Moon

Artemis Pro­gramme

It has been almost 50 years since astronauts last set foot on the Moon (Apollo 17, December 1972). That is set to change before the end of this decade with NASA's Artemis programme planning to once again land humans on Earth's natural satellite. This time, the mission will also include the first woman to travel to the Moon.

Data for climate research

Study­ing the Earth sys­tem from space

How is Earth changing? Which processes are driving these changes? Instruments on board satellites make it possible to acquire comprehensive information about these matters. They can obtain global inventories and make precise local measurements.

Projects and missions

Galileo

The aim of the civil Galileo system is to make Europe independent of the military-controlled navigation services of the USA (GPS) and Russia (GLONASS) and to provide navigation signals with unprecedented accuracy.

EnMAP

The Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) mission is the first hyperspectral satellite developed and built in Germany. With its two spectrometers, it analyses the solar radiation reflected from Earth’s surface at wavelengths ranging from visible light to short-wave infrared – at a hitherto unparalleled spectral resolution.

News

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Multimedia

Large antenna in Weilheim
DLR's ground station in Weilheim, 60 kilometres south-west of Munich, which was commissioned in 1969, is the link between Earth and satellites. The 30 meter large antenna is used to verify GNSS signals.
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The new Vulcain 2.1
The new Vulcain 2.1 engine will carry the future Ariane 6 launcher into space and is currently being tested at DLR's site in Lampoldshausen.
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Links

German Space Agency at DLR

The German Space Agency at DLR (formerly DLR Space Administration) acts as Germany’s space agency and, in this capacity, implements the Federal Government’s space strategy. It has approximately 300 employees and is based in Bonn.

Institutes and facilities

At DLR, more than 20 institutes involved in space research are working on developing and testing technologies and gaining insights for the benefit of society and Earth.

Jobs and careers

Whether you are a sci­en­tist, en­gi­neer, tech­ni­cian or are look­ing to take up an ap­pren­tice­ship - DLR of­fers ex­cit­ing ca­reer op­por­tu­ni­ties for a wide range of tal­ents. Take a look at all our va­can­cies and find in­for­ma­tion about get­ting start­ed.

CEAS Space Journal

The CEAS Space Journal publishes scientific, peer-reviewed articles covering all areas of space research worldwide. Founded under the umbrella of CEAS (Council of European Aerospace Societies), the journal is supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Space Agency (ESA). It is published by Springer Verlag both online and six times a year as an issue.

Downloads

Brochure: Space research at DLR (2019)

6.1 MB | PDF