Research field Aeronautics, Space and Transport in the fundig period 2009 - 2013

Scientists in the field of aeronautics, space and transport conduct research and collaborate in the following three programmes:

• Aeronautics
• Space
• Transport

Their work is shaped in both thematic and organizational terms by its integration under the umbrella of the DLR. This means that researchers working in all three programmes are able to draw on the core expertise they require in areas such as aerodynamics, structures and materials, communications, navigation and mechatronics. They are also able to take advantage of synergies generated at the interfaces between aeronautics, space and transport within fields such as air and space-based remote sensing.

Programmes

Aeronautics

Scientists involved in DLR aeronautics research are working to increase the performance capability and economy of the air transport system, reduce aircraft noise and harmful emissions and guarantee safety. They are also pursuing these goals as part of a European collaboration within the EREA Network. Supporting this work, the DLR uses specially equipped research aircraft such as the FALCON, ATRA and HALO.

The Aeronautics Programme of the DLR is characterised by close ties with European partners, particularly with the French and Dutch partner organisations ONERA and NLR. Current focuses include the further development of transport aircraft in collaboration with ONERA, improving flight guidance technology in collaboration with NLR, and expanding the DLR-NLR wind tunnel network by integrating the wind tunnels operated by ONERA. The DLR/ONERA Aircraft Research Partnership is conducting joint research on fixedwing aircraft, while in the field of helicopter research, DLR/ ONERA Rotorcraft Research is focusing on ensuring flight safety, particularly under difficult weather conditions. It is also extending the operational scope of this air transport system and improving its environmental compatibility.

Another goal is the development of efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion systems with a focus on the optimisation of all jet-engine components. In the process new concepts for jet engines are being investigated, such as turbofan engines with a very high bypass ratio and nonsheathed engines. Research revolving around ATM and flight operations is focusing on the field of air traffic management, above all in connection with the immediate environs of airports and especially with regard to environmental issues.

Apart from the issue of noise, the climate compatibility of air traffic has now moved to the forefront of such research.

Space

Space research in Germany provides direct benefits to the public and inspiration for the future. Scientists working in the Helmholtz Space Programme are studying the Earth as a system of processes and changes, exploring the solar system, and researching the nature of life and materials when subject to the special conditions in outer space. They are also contributing to the development of space travel, working on advances in satellite communications and navigation, designing transporters and landing devices, and making preparations for actual missions. All these aspects involve collaboration with partners from industry, research institutions, universities, government authorities and public institutions. The Helmholtz Space Programme constitutes a central link between all parties contributing to space research.

In the coming years, work in the field of Earth observation will focus on the research and development of innovative radar, lidar and optical technologies, modern analytical processes and the development of high-quality products. In the field of satellite communications, emphasis will be placed on broadening the applications of optical connections and the research and development of a satellitebased terabit transport and distribution network. In the area of satellite navigation, work will be directed towards completing the Galileo system and developing new applications for it.

In the field of space exploration, the coming years will see the preparation and launching of missions to other bodies within the solar system, with a special emphasis on the search for life and the habitability of other planets. In research under space conditions, the entire range of available infrastructure – parabolic flights, sounding rockets and, in particular, the International Space Station – will be used to examine and extend fundamental knowledge in the life and material sciences.

In order to ensure the economic viability of space transport, key technologies will be researched and technologies for orbital and planetary missions developed and tested. Work in the field of space robotics will target the development of technologies for “on-orbit servicing” and the design of robotic systems for exploratory missions.

Transport

Our current transport system is to a large extent already overloaded and is facing difficulties when it comes to absorbing the growing volume of traffic. This chronic overload represents a potential risk to the competitiveness of the German and European economies. High traffic volumes also affect the environment, reduce our quality of life and clearly increase the risk of accidents.

The Transport Programme is therefore targeting three overarching goals: maintaining mobility, conserving resources and the environment, and improving safety levels. In order to achieve these goals, the DLR is developing solutions involving land-based vehicles, traffic management and the transport system as a whole. This work combines specific expertise in the transport field with competencies developed in aeronautics, the space field and our energy research.

Some of the central themes being addressed in the development of next-generation road and rail vehicles include the optimisation of vehicle structures and energy systems, the minimisation of driving resistance and wear, increases in comfort, and the reduction of negative impacts on the environment. With regard to improving safety and providing support for drivers in specific situations, there is a strong focus on the development of individualised assistance schemes.

Innovative road, rail and airport management solutions are contributing to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of infrastructure usage. Special traffic management information systems and tailored decision-making aids are being developed to help emergency services in the event of major incidents and disasters. Integrated observation of traffic development and its environmental effects is opening up new avenues in the investigation of transport systems.

Outlook

Along with the evolution of current research themes, the coming years will see an increased focus on the multidisciplinary, numerical simulation of aircraft, the development of the next generation of rail-based vehicles and the development of reentry technologies for spacecraft. Research in these three areas will provide the DLR with access to groundbreaking technologies, for which, working with industry, it will develop new applications.