Engineering
The realisation of the institute's excellent research requires modern engineering and production techniques. Solutions at the limits of what is technically and physically possible are often required in order to fulfil the extraordinary demands placed on experimental facilities. This is achieved at the MP by utilising the latest technologies and processes, coupled with multidisciplinary experience and the will to break new ground.
The institute has many years of experience in the design, testing and operation of space equipment and ground support equipment for space probes, orbital platforms, rockets, parabolic flights and drop tower campaigns. This expertise was further expanded as part of the MAPHEUS rocket programme and in relation to new instruments for scientific use of the ISS.
The reliable functionality of the experimental equipment in zero gravity must be ensured under space conditions such as vacuum, extreme temperature changes and high-energy radiation, while at the same time fulfilling a wide range of experimental requirements. For example, high-temperature furnaces with chemically reactive molten metals must simultaneously perform precise movements of miniaturised parts in the sample vessels - while ensuring safe process monitoring with X-ray equipment. In another case, the simultaneous processing of up to 32 samples in high-speed melting furnaces used in research rockets required the development of an exceptional energy source, real-time process control and high-speed, high-resolution video recorders. Other applications realised in challenging environments include diffusion wave spectroscopy, the generation and active control of electric and magnetic fields, effective data management at extremely high data rates and high-speed camera systems.
In order to minimise the delay from the idea to the finished system, complex electronic circuits and measurement components are developed, built and programmed in-house. The in-house prototype workshops in Cologne and Oberpfaffenhofen with their highly specialised staff have many years of experience in handling unusual special materials - from unusual alloys and ceramics to aerogel and graphite foams. Their dedicated support on modern machines enables short iterations in prototype optimisation and helps to reduce costs. In realising new goals, we qualify students and young engineers and guide them to exceptional skills in the exciting development, simulation and operation of space equipment and sophisticated ground facilities. In conjunction with the annual MAPHEUS research rocket, new physical insights can be gained within a few months of the experimental idea.
The focus of the institute's engineering work is on:
- Design, manufacture and integration of experimental hardware for use on multi-platform microgravity platforms
- Development of complex electronic control systems for autonomous and remote-controlled space systems
- Programming of real-time systems, user interfaces and multi-protocol data management
- Testing and verification of equipment for space conditions in environmental simulation facilities
- Construction of ground models with functionality corresponding to flight hardware, support of orbit operations