On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) presented itself at the Tomorrowlabs Festival in Magdeburg's "Port of Science". This newly launched event gave regional players from research, administration, science and education the opportunity to present their activities and talk to interested parties. A special feature of the event was the combination of a technical exhibition with a lively festival atmosphere, which was accompanied by live music and food trucks.
Our colleagues from research and administration at the National Test Center took this opportunity to present the tasks and background of the DLR facility in Cochstedt and to share their passion for the pioneering topic of unmanned aviation with the public. The interest of the festival visitors ranged from questions about general drone operations and the history of Magdeburg-Cochstedt Airport to specific interest in joint scientific collaboration.
Special highlight for young and old
As at previous events, the flight simulator at the Test Center's stand was again in high demand and great fun for visitors. In the test center's converted VW Crafter, which is normally used as a mobile mission control center for flight tests, interested visitors were able to virtually control a drone on the computer and put their flying skills to the test.
The drone flight simulator in our converted VW Crafter aroused particular interest among the guests.
As a counterpart to the long-established "Lange Nacht der Wissenschaft" (engl.: "Long Night of Science"), the Tomorrowlabs festival is primarily aimed at a younger target group consisting of school pupils, graduates and students. According to the organizer, the two events will now alternate annually.
