Expertise
Excellence in space systems research.
The Institute of Space Systems defines its role by focussing on innovative design methods, space technologies and space systems and in this function complements the research and development activities of German and European industry.
It analyses and identifies future trends and promising technologies and supports the development of medium and long-term strategies for design methods and technologies of space systems, space transport and space exploration systems.
With this expertise in space technologies and space systems, the institute is an independent point of contact for space-related issues.
Digitalisation and automation are at the forefront of the application of innovative methods and processes for all phases of the design, development, implementation and verification of space systems. The institute acts as a pioneer for space technologies and space systems and reduces the risk for the industrial implementation and utilisation of research and development results. This is achieved through a balanced relationship between risk, quality and benefit in all development phases by taking a pragmatic and innovative approach. In this way, a high degree of maturity is achieved in an efficient time and at low cost. In particular, the Institute of Space Systems identifies, develops, tests and demonstrates innovative, challenging ideas from conception to application in space through field tests, analogue tests and IOV/IOD missions.
The institute realises distinctive highlight space missions that continue the success story of the internationally recognised DLR demonstrator and space missions.
The strategic goal of the Institute of Space Systems is to reflect the broad and diverse spectrum of DLR's R&D activities by focusing on applied scientific and technological space experiments with a realisable commercial perspective that have the potential to improve direct application and general usability.
By putting the acquired knowledge into practice, the institute has a coordinating and integrating function within DLR. It is the catalyst for the systematic development and maintenance of space system competences, especially in the areas of system development, system management, system engineering as well as system design, integration and testing of space equipment. This enables the Institute to contribute directly to successful industrial projects by fully assuming the risk of new technologies in scientific missions and providing its partners with flight-proven technologies.
Our institute participates in and coordinates numerous national and European research projects. It is in close contact with the space industry in the fields of engineering and technology development. It supports industry and society with expert knowledge for sustainable development. Finally, the institute also contributes to the training of young talent.
