DLR in Lampoldshausen supports young scientists
- Young scientist Valentin Schmidt independently develops a reusable, controllable hybrid rocket engine and tests it at the DLR Lampoldshausen site.
- DLR_School_Lab Lampoldshausen and DLR Institute of Space Propulsion support young scientists.
- Focus: Promotion of young scientists, space flight
On March 16, 2023, a self-developed hybrid rocket engine called "Hydra 1" was tested at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Student Test Field M11.5 at the Lampoldshausen site as part of a seminar paper for the Abitur.
Valentin Schmidt is 23 years old and attends the Berufsoberschule (FOS/BOS) Regensburg in Bavaria. The young scientist is designing his own engine, which is powered by a hybrid propellant combination of kerosene, epoxy resin and nitrous oxide. He has developed his own approach that combines the propellant combination in a new way. The aim of the test series at the student test field M11.5 is to test the engine for its reusability and to determine important engine parameters. Based on the findings of the initial tests, the engine is to be optimized so that it can regulate its thrust independently with the help of onboard electronics and thus perform a slow and controlled linear landing manoeuvre from a height of around 5 metres. Valentin Schmidt turned to the DLR_School_Lab in Lampoldshausen to check his project, develop it further and clarify any remaining questions.
Tobias Neff, Head of DLR_School_Lab Lampoldshausen, is delighted: "Valentin Schmidt's work is extraordinary. We are very happy to support him with our expertise and our testing facilities at the DLR Lampoldshausen site in order to further promote such exceptional talents." The M11 test stand complex operated by the Satellite and Orbital Propulsion Systems department, with its student test field set up in 2013, supports Valentin Schmidt.
DLR scientists support student groups throughout Germany with their expertise, for example within the DLR program STERN (Student Experimental Rockets), in the development, construction and qualification of their rocket and propulsion systems. This also allows Valentin Schmidt to test his engine together with the DLR team. As a test bench technician, Markus Rehberger is on hand to provide him with help and advice during the preparations for the test. "I am thrilled with how much support I received from the DLR_School_Lab and the DLR test bench team for my unusual project as a pupil!" says Valentin Schmidt, because his career orientation is clear: "I am already looking forward to my aerospace studies and the further support and future prospects at the German Aerospace Center in Lampoldshausen."