Space Science

NASA, ESA, CSA

Space research investigates objects in our own Solar System and other star systems, out to distant galaxies and across the Universe as a whole. Important research topics in astronomy and astrophysics include dark matter and dark energy, the detection of gravitational waves and the formation and development of stars and galaxies. In planetary research, the formation and structure of planets, moons and small celestial bodies such as asteroids and comets are of particular interest. Fundamental laws of physics can also be better researched in space than on Earth, as ‘out there’, microgravity, the absence of vibrations and an ultra-high vacuum prevail. These conditions enable the investigation of fundamental laws of physics at the very edge of what can be measured.

Planets, Moons and Asteroids

The Solar System still holds many secrets. To uncover these, space probes are sent on long journeys to planets like Mars, Jupiter and Saturn to explore their structure, dynamics and atmosphere. Researchers are also interested in the properties of magnetic fields and the composition of planetary cores. Missions to our central star, on the other hand, are concerned with the formation of the solar corona and the solar wind – a continuous stream of charged particles that has a significant influence on space weather.

Origin of the Universe

How did the Universe begin? And what role did dark matter and dark energy play? These are still open questions in cosmology, and satellite missions like Euclid and telescopes such as eROSITA and James Webb are expected to provide answers.