Research field Aeronautics, Space and Transport

Goals and challenges

Mobility, information, communication, resource management, the environment and safety are all decisive factors for the economic, ecological and social development of modern economies and are thus extremely important for the elaboration of a long-term strategy. Addressing these challenges, scientists in the field of aeronautics, space and transport research are developing new concepts and solutions to technical problems and are providing advice for political decision-makers.

With their enormous potential for technological development and innovation, these three research programmes have made a significant contribution to strengthening and providing greater visibility for Germany’s international role as a locus of research and innovation.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the only Helmholtz centre in the field of aeronautics, space and transport research. At the same time, it serves as the country’s aeronautics and aerospace research centre and, as the national space agency, is responsible for research in the national aerospace programme and Germany’s contribution to the work of the European Space Agency (ESA).

The DLR has a total of 13 locations spread across Germany, all of which are closely networked with universities and non-university research institutions. The Helmholtz DLR@Uni Alliance is responsible for both the diverse content of research and the conditions governing the respective collaborations. It establishes the framework for content-based partnerships, which can range from shared research arrangements and advanced training to joint start-up initiatives. The DLR also cooperates closely with other research centres in the Helmholtz Association, particularly in the research fields Energy and Earth and Environment.

Outstanding examples of collaboration between the DLR and the private sector include the national Earth observation satellite TanDEM-X, which was launched in 2010. This radar satellite is operated by a public-private partnership between the DLR and Astrium, which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. TanDEM-X flies in formation with its twin satellite TerraSAR-X – sometimes as close as 200 metres – and generates three-dimensional images of the Earth’s surface.

Another example is the fuel-cell driven, electrical nose wheel installed in the DLR’s A320 ATRA research aircraft, which was flown successfully with this new feature for the first time in June 2011. Installing the nose wheel in commercial aircraft can significantly reduce noise and exhaust emissions at airports.