DLR and OHB seal their collaboration on avionics systems at the Space Tech Expo, from left: Prof. Andreas Rittweger (Director of the DLR Institute of Space Systems), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla (Chairwoman of the DLR Executive Board), Sabine von der Recke (Member of the OHB Executive Board), Emile Jäger (Systems Engineering at OHB)
The avionics system is the heart of a space system. All control tasks, any processing of mission data, generation and storage of energy as well as all communication down to the ground are realized by the avionics system. The reliability of the avionics system is therefore of central importance. At the same time, applications such as complex video data processing or autonomous control require increased computing power without increasing resources in terms of energy or space.
The Avionics Systems department develops subsystems for command and data handling (CDH), power supply and communication, which have to meet high reliability requirements. Depending on the mission, the department is responsible for data processing, telemetry/telecommand, power generation/storage/distribution and interfaces between subsystems, for example. At the same time, the department investigates future avionics concepts that aim for high computing power or use cost-effective components.
A high level of detail in the design of central components is essential in order to master the architecture of the overall system. One example of this is the development of a scalable on-board computer (OBC) that can be adapted in terms of essential parameters. This includes technical aspects such as the number of interfaces, the redundancy concept or the processors and non-technical areas such as service life or costs. This level of detail also allows deep insights into accompanying processes such as testing and validation of the overall system and thus also enables research into the design methodology. Model-based approaches are at the heart of the department's research.
Overall, DLR research missions are supported and research contributions are made to the technology of space systems.
Since December 2020, the Institute of Space Systems has been cooperating with UARX Space Signs. The agreement includes joint developments of UARX spacecraft for LEO and lunar missions. The idea of in-orbit transportation services requires extremely flexible avionics.
