Departments

The Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) comprises departments in Cologne and Hamburg with internationally unique research expertise and infrastructure. Within DLR, our institute forms the interface between high technology and life sciences such as biology, medicine and psychology.

Our overarching goal is to conduct research to improve human health in space, in aerospace and on Earth.

The institute comprises the following departments:

Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine

The Department for Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine investigates gene-environmental influences on the human cardiovascular system. We focus on real and simulated weightlessness, atmosphere conditions, nutrition, and exercise. The major aim is to elucidate mechanisms of cardiovascular structural and functional adaptation and how these responses are integrated by the autonomic nervous system.

Sleep and Human Factors Research

Our mission is to maintain optimal human performance, sleep, and wellbeing of operators working under the specific challenges and risks of the mobile 24-hour society. Adverse environmental factors, unusual work hours (e.g. due to shift work, jetlag), and sleep loss are highly prevalent in operators in the field of aeronautics, space, and transport, affecting cognitive performance and wellbeing as well as long-term health.

Clinical Aerospace Medicine

In the Department of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, we deal with the medical qualification and preventive health maintenance of flying personnel. Our overriding goal is to promote safety in the aerospace industry and to maintain the health of personnel throughout their working lives.

Muscle and bone metabolism

On the one hand, the human body is capable of outstanding performance, and on the other hand, prolonged physical inactivity leads to functional impairment of the skeletal and muscular system (deconditioning), metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance, and an increased risk of heart disease. These processes are not only problematic on Earth, but especially during space travel.

Aerospace Psychology

Pilots, air traffic controllers, astronauts, and operators in other skilled professions are, both, an asset and a liability regarding safety in aerospace. Indeed, proper decisions together with functioning human-machine and human-human interactions enhance the reliability of technical system tenfold.

Radiation Biology

The Radiation Biology department conducts biophysical and cell biological research to assess the radiation exposure in aviation and spaceflight and to elucidate mechanisms of cell damage and repair following radiation exposure. The goal is to improve individual risk prediction for space missions, in aeronautics, and on Earth.

Gravitational Biology

Life evolved in terrestrial gravity, which is the only environmental factor that has remained constant for billions of years. The lack of gravity during space travel poses health challenges to astronauts while providing unique insight in the fundamental mechanisms of gravity and mechano-sensing.

Study Team

The study team of the DLR consists of employees with expertise in the fields of clinical research, management, neurology, nutrition, and biology. It supports internal and external human studies at the DLR and conducts its own scientific projects.