View source for German Aerospace Center

{{Short description|German research center for aerospace and power engineering}}
{{primary sources|date=October 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox Space agency
| name          = German Aerospace Center
| native_name   = Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
| acronym       = DLR
| image         = DLR_Logo.svg
| size          = 200px
| established   = {{start date and age|1969}}
| headquarters  = [[Cologne]] (Köln), Germany
| coordinates  = {{Coord|50|51|09|N|07|07|21|E|display=inline,title}}
| administrator = [[Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla]]
| employees     = 10,327<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/about-us/dlr-in-numbers#7aade726-93d2-4cf5-b512-f1d1dae0747a |title=DLR in Numbers - DLR personnel 2021 |website=dlr.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901111857/https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/about-us/dlr-in-numbers |access-date=18 December 2023 |archive-date=1 September 2023}}</ref>
| budget        = {{increase}}€1.348 billion (2021)<ref name="DLRNumbers"/>
| URL           = [https://www.dlr.de/ www.dlr.de]
}}
[[File:Luftaufnahme DLR Köln.jpg|thumb|An aerial view of DLR's [[headquarters]] at [[Porz|Lind]], [[Cologne]] in 2010]]

The '''German Aerospace Center''' ({{langx|de|Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt [[Registered association (Germany)|e.V.]]}}, '''DLR''', literally ''German Center for Air- and Space-flight'') is the national center for aerospace, energy and transportation research of Germany, founded in 1969. It is headquartered in [[Cologne]] with 35 locations throughout Germany. The DLR is engaged in a wide range of [[research and development]] projects in national and international partnerships.<ref name="DLRNumbers"/>

The DLR acts as the German [[space agency]] and is responsible for planning and implementing the [[German space programme]] on behalf of the [[Cabinet of Germany|German federal government]]. As a project management agency, DLR coordinates and answers the technical and organisational implementation of projects funded by a number of German federal ministries. As of 2020, the German Aerospace Center had a national budget of €1.348 billion.<ref name="DLRNumbers">{{cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/about-us/dlr-in-numbers |title=DLR in Numbers |website=dlr.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901111857/https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/about-us/dlr-in-numbers |access-date=1 September 2023 |archive-date=1 September 2023}}</ref>

== Overview ==
[[File:Raumfahrt-Kontrollzentrum 9900.jpg|thumb|[[German Space Operations Center]] in [[Oberpfaffenhofen]] near [[Munich]]]]

DLR has approximately 10,000 employees at 30 locations in Germany.{{when|date=October 2022}} Institutes and facilities are spread over 13 sites, as well as offices in [[Brussels]], [[Paris]] and [[Washington, D.C.]] DLR has a budget of €1 billion to cover its own research, development and operations. Approximately 49% of this sum comes from competitively allocated [[Research funding|third-party funds]] (German: ''Drittmittel''). In addition to this, DLR administers around €860 million in German funds for the [[European Space Agency]] (ESA). In its capacity as project management agency, it manages €1.279 billion in research on behalf of German federal ministries. DLR is a full member of the [[Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems]] and a member of the [[Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres]].

In the context of DLR's initiatives to promote young research talent, 16 DLR School Labs were set up at [[University of Augsburg]], [[Brandenburg University of Technology]], [[Technische Universität Darmstadt]], [[Hamburg University of Technology|Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg]], [[RWTH Aachen University|RWTH Aachen]], [[Technical University of Dortmund]], [[TU Dresden|Technische Universität Dresden]] and in Berlin-Adlershof, [[Braunschweig]], [[Bremen]], Cologne-Porz, [[Göttingen]], [[Jena]], Lampoldshausen/Stuttgart, [[Neustrelitz]], and [[Oberpfaffenhofen]] over the past years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/schoollab/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-13877/ |title=DLR_School_Lab |access-date=18 December 2023 |work=DLR Portal |publisher=German Aerospace Center}}</ref> In the DLR School Labs, pupils can become acquainted with the practical aspects of natural and engineering sciences by conducting interesting experiments.

The members of the DLR executive board are [[Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla]] (chairman) since August 2015, Klaus Hamacher (vice chairman) since April 2006, Karsten Lemmer (member for Energy and Transport) since March 2017 and Walter Pelzer since 2021.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

== History ==
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|- 
|+ German space institutes <ref name="de100"/>
|-
!Years!! Name
|-
| 1907–1969|| {{lang|de|Aerodynamische Versuchsanstalt}} (AVA)<br/> <small> "Aerodynamic Experimental Station" </small>
|-
| 1927 || {{lang|de|Verein für Raumschiffahrt [[Registered association (Germany)|e.V.]]}} (VfR) <br/> <small> "Association of Space-Flight Reg. Assoc." </small>
|-
| 1947–1948 || {{lang|de|Arbeitsgemeinschaft Weltraumfahrt}} <br/> <small> "Consortium on Space Flight" </small>
|-
| 1948–1972 ||{{lang|de|Gesellschaft für Weltraumforschung}} (GfW)<br/> <small> "Society for Space Research" </small>
|-
| 1969–1989 || {{lang|de|Deutsche Forschungs- und Versuchsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt}} (DFVLR) <br/> <small> "German Research and Test Institute for Aviation and Space Flight" </small>
|-
| 1989–1997 || {{lang|de|Deutsche Agentur für Raumfahrtangelegenheiten}} (DARA) <br/> <small> German Aerospace Agency </small>
|-
| 1989–1997 || {{lang|de|Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt}} (DLR) <br/> <small> "German Research Institute for Aviation and Space Flight" </small>
|-
| 1997–present || {{lang|de|Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt}} (DLR) <br/> <small> "German Center for Aviation and Space Flight" <br/> German Aerospace Center</small>
|-
| 1970–present || {{lang|de|Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme}} (IRS)<br/> <small> Institute for Space systems </small>
|-
|}

The modern DLR was created in 1997, but was the culmination of over half a dozen space, aerospace, and research institutes from across the 20th century.

The oldest predecessor organization of DLR was established by [[Ludwig Prandtl]] in Göttingen in 1907. This {{lang|de|Modellversuchsanstalt der Motorluftschiff-Studiengesellschaft}} (MLStG; German for "Institute for Testing of Aerodynamic Models of the Powered Airship Society") later became the {{lang|de|[[Aerodynamics Research Institute|Aerodynamische Versuchsanstalt]]}} ("Aerodynamics Laboratory" or "Aerodynamic Experimental Station").

In the 1920s [[Max Valier]], a student of rocket pioneer [[Hermann Oberth]], co-founded the {{lang|de|[[Verein für Raumschiffahrt]]}}, VfR, or "Association of Space-Flight", with [[Johannes Winkler]] and [[Willy Ley]]. In parallel he was acting in collaboration with [[Fritz von Opel]] as one of the heads of [[Opel RAK]], a private venture leading to the first manned rocket cars and rocket planes which paved the way for the Nazi era V2 program and US and Soviet activities from 1950 onwards. The [[Opel RAK]] program and the spectacular public demonstrations of ground and air vehicles drew large crowds, as well as caused global public excitement, and had a large impact on later spaceflight pioneers.

The [[Great Depression]] put an end to the program and briefly after its break-up, Valier eventually was killed while experimenting as part of VfR activities in collaboration with Heylandt-Werke on liquid-fueled rockets in April 1930. He is considered the first fatality of the early space age. Valier's protégé [[Arthur Rudolph]] went on to develop an improved and safer version of Valier's engine. Valier and von Opel had engaged in a program that led directly to use of jet-assisted takeoff for heavily laden aircraft. Their experiments had also a tremendous influence on [[Alexander Lippisch]], whose experience with the rocket-powered {{lang|de|Ente}} ("Duck") eventually paved the way to the [[Messerschmitt Me-163]], the first operational rocket fighter craft.

The private experiments of the late 1920s and early 1930s excited also the interest of the German military, which provided funding for further development of rockets as a replacement for artillery. This led to an array of military applications, among them Germany's [[V-2]] terror weapon, the world's first ballistic missile, and also the first human-made object to surpass the [[Kármán line]] and thus leaving the Earth's atmosphere.

In the 1940s, the DVL (an AVA sister organization) funded [[Konrad Zuse]]'s work on the [[Z3 (computer)|Z3]] and [[Z4 (computer)|Z4]] computers. Another German aviation technology research facility, the 1935-founded, top-secret {{lang|de|[[Luftfahrtforschungsanstalt]]}} at [[Völkenrode]] which conducted research – much of it for military aviation to suit the Luftwaffe's needs – in parallel to the then-existing forerunners of the DLR of today, would not be discovered by the Allies until after the war's end.

In 1947, the {{lang|de|Arbeitsgemeinschaft Weltraumfahrt}} ("Consortium on Space Flight") was formed, leading to the {{lang|de|Gesellschaft für Weltraumforschung}} (GfW; "Society for Space Research") being formed in 1948.<ref name=de100>{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/100Jahre/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2581/4435_read-7391/ |title=Space flight in Germany – timeline including important events |access-date=26 May 2010 |date=4 February 2007 |work=100 Years |publisher=German Aerospace Center |archive-date=24 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624130230/http://www.dlr.de/100Jahre/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2581/4435_read-7391 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1954, the Research Institute of Jet Propulsion Physics (FPS) was established at the Stuttgart airport.<ref name="DLR Stuttgart">{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-344/999_read-1358/ |title=DLR site Stuttgart |work=DRL Portal |publisher=German Aerospace Center |date=28 January 2010 |access-date=24 May 2010 |archive-date=1 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601100553/http://www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-344/999_read-1358 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

What was later called the DLR was formed in 1969 as the {{lang|de|Deutsche Forschungs- und Versuchsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt}} (DFVLR; "German Test and Research Institute for Aviation and Space Flight") through the merger of several institutions. These were the {{lang|de|[[Aerodynamische Versuchsanstalt]]}} (AVA), the {{lang|de|Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt}}<!--don't link – it redirects to this page--> (DVL; "German Laboratory for Aviation"), the {{lang|de|[[Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luftfahrt]]}} (DFL; "German Research Institute for Aviation") and (in 1972) the {{lang|de|Gesellschaft für Weltraumforschung}} (GfW; "Society for Space Research").

In 1989, the DFVLR was renamed {{lang|de|Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt}} (DLR; "German Research Institute for Aviation and Space Flight"). Also in 1989, the {{lang|de|[[Deutsche Agentur für Raumfahrtangelegenheiten]]}} (DARA; "German Agency for Space Flight Affairs") was created.<ref name=de100/>

Following the merger with the {{lang|de|Deutsche Agentur für Raumfahrtangelegenheiten}} (DARA; German for "German Agency for Space Flight Affairs") on 1 October 1997, the name was changed to {{lang|de|Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt}} (DLR), literally "German Center for Aviation and Space Flight". The shorter translation "German Aerospace Center" is used in English-language publications.

Other German space organizations include the {{lang|de|Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme}} (IRS; [[Institute for Space Systems]]), founded in 1970.<ref name="janes">{{Cite web |title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS |url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Space-Systems-and-Industry/Institut-Fur-Raumfahrtsysteme-Germany.html |access-date=31 December 2016}}</ref> This should not be confused with DLR's {{lang|de|Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme}} located in Bremen.<ref name='DLR Bremen'>{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-3523/7991_read-12992/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210220912/http://www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-3523/7991_read-12992/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 February 2013 |title=DLR's Bremen Site |access-date=26 May 2010 |date=28 January 2010 |work=DLR Portal |publisher=German Aerospace Center }}</ref> Also, significant contributions are made to the [[European Space Agency]].

== Research ==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2022}}
[[File:DLR Helikopter.JPG|thumb|The DLR Institute of Flight Systems operates this helicopter as part of the [[Flying Helicopter Simulator]] (FHS).]]

DLR's mission comprises the exploration of the Earth and the [[Solar System]], as well as research aimed at protecting the environment and developing environmentally compatible technologies, and at promoting mobility, communication and security. DLR's research portfolio, which covers the four focus areas [[Aviation|Aeronautics]], [[Spaceflight|Space]], [[Transport]]ation and [[Energy]], ranges from [[basic research]] to innovative applications. DLR operates large-scale research centres, both for the benefit of its own projects and as a service for its clients and partners from the worlds of business and science.

The objective of DLR's [[aeronautics]] research is to strengthen the competitive advantage of the national and European aeronautical industry and aviation sector, and to meet political and social demands – for instance with regard to climate-friendly aviation. German [[space exploration|space research]] activities range from experiments under conditions of weightlessness to the exploration of other planets and environmental monitoring from space. In addition to these activities, DLR performs tasks of public authority pertaining to the planning and implementation of the German space programme, in its capacity as the official space agency of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The DLR's Project Management Agency (German: ''Projektträger im DLR'') has also been entrusted with tasks of public authority pertaining to the administration of subsidies. In the field of [[energy development|energy research]], DLR is working on highly efficient, low-{{CO2}} power generation technologies based on gas turbines and fuel cells, on solar thermal power generation, and on the efficient use of heat, including [[cogeneration]] based on fossil and renewable energy sources. The topics covered by DLR's [[Transport engineering|transportation research]] are maintaining mobility, protecting the environment and saving resources, and improving transportation safety.

In addition to the already existing projects [[Mars Express]], [[global navigation satellite system]] [[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo]], and [[Shuttle Radar Topography Mission]], the Institute of Space Systems (German: ''Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme'') was founded in Bremen in January 2007. In the future, 80 scientists and engineers will be doing research into topics such as space mission concepts, satellite development and propulsion technology.

=== Planetary research ===

==== Mars Express ====
[[File:Ceraunius Tholus in perspective by Mars Express.jpg|thumb|Martian volcano Ceraunius Tholus in perspective by the HRSC aboard Mars Express]]
The High Resolution Stereo Camera [[High Resolution Stereo Camera|HRSC]] is the most important German contribution to the European Space Agency's [[Mars Express]] mission. It is the first digital stereo camera that also generates multispectral data and that has a very high-resolution lens. The camera records images of the Martian surface which formed the basis for a large number of scientific studies. With the HRSC, which was developed at the German Aerospace Center's Institute of Planetary Research (German: ''Institut für Planetenforschung''), it is possible to analyse details no larger than 10 to 30 meters in three dimensions.

==== ''Rosetta'' and ''Philae'' ====
[[File:Rosetta's Philae on Comet 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko.jpg|thumb|Depiction of ''Philae'' on [[Churyumov-Gerasimenko]]]]
The [[comet]] orbiter [[Rosetta (spacecraft)|''Rosetta'']] is controlled from the [[European Space Operations Centre]] (ESOC), in [[Darmstadt]], Germany.<ref name="cnn">{{Cite news |last1=Pearson |first1=Michael |last2=Smith |first2=Matt |date=21 January 2014 |title=Comet-chasing probe wakes up, calls home |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/20/world/europe/rosetta-comet-probe/index.html |access-date=21 January 2014 |archive-date=9 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409011034/https://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/20/world/europe/rosetta-comet-probe/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The DLR has provided the structure, thermal subsystem, flywheel, the Active Descent System (procured by DLR but made in Switzerland),<ref name="moog">{{cite web |url=http://www.moog.com/literature/Space_Defense/Spacecraft/Propulsion/active_descent_system.pdf |title=Active Descent System |publisher=[[Moog Inc.]] |access-date=11 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112012855/http://www.moog.com/literature/Space_Defense/Spacecraft/Propulsion/active_descent_system.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ROLIS, downward-looking camera, SESAME, acoustic sounding and seismic instrument for [[Philae (spacecraft)|''Philae'']], the orbiter's landing unit. It has also managed the project and did the level product assurance. The [[University of Münster]] built MUPUS (it was designed and built in Space Research Centre of Polish Academy of Sciences<ref name="wawpl2014">{{cite web |url=http://mechatronics.cbk.waw.pl/en/projects/the-mupus-instrument-for-rosetta-mission-to-comet-churyumov-gerasimenko |title=The MUPUS Instrument for Rosetta mission to comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko |publisher=Laboratorium Mechatroniki i Robotyki Satelitarnej |year=2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102201326/http://mechatronics.cbk.waw.pl/en/projects/the-mupus-instrument-for-rosetta-mission-to-comet-churyumov-gerasimenko |archive-date=2 January 2014}}</ref>) and the [[Braunschweig University of Technology]] the ROMAP instrument. The [[Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research]] made the payload engineering, eject mechanism, landing gear, anchoring harpoon, central computer, COSAC, APXS and other subsystems.

==== ''Dawn'' ====
The framing cameras, provided by the [[Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research]] and the DLR, are the main imaging instruments of ''Dawn'', a multi-destination space probe to the [[protoplanet]]s [[4 Vesta]] and [[1 Ceres]] launched in 2007.<ref name="Rayman">{{Cite journal |last1=Rayman |first1=Marc |last2=Fraschetti, Thomas C. |last3=Raymond, Carol A. |last4=Russell, Christopher T. |date=5 April 2006 |title=Dawn: A mission in development for exploration of main belt asteroids Vesta and Ceres |url=http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/Dawn_overview.pdf |journal=Acta Astronautica |volume=58 |issue=11 |pages=605–616 |bibcode=2006AcAau..58..605R |doi=10.1016/j.actaastro.2006.01.014 |access-date=14 April 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930183613/http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/Dawn_overview.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The cameras offer resolutions of 17 m/pixel for Vesta and 66 m/pixel for Ceres.<ref name="sierks">{{Cite journal |last1=Sierks |first1=H. |last2=Keller |first2=H. U. |last3=Jaumann |first3=R. |last4=Michalik |first4=H. |last5=Behnke |first5=T. |last6=Bubenhagen |first6=F. |last7=Büttner |first7=I. |last8=Carsenty |first8=U. |last9=Christensen |first9=U. |display-authors=3 |year=2011 |title=The Dawn Framing Camera |journal=Space Science Reviews |volume=163 |issue=1–4 |pages=263–327 |bibcode=2011SSRv..163..263S |doi=10.1007/s11214-011-9745-4 |s2cid=121046026}}</ref> Because the framing cameras are vital for both science and navigation, the payload has two identical and physically separate cameras (FC1 & FC2) for redundancy, each with its own optics, electronics, and structure.<ref name="Rayman" /><ref name="sierks" />

=== Human spaceflight ===

==== ''Columbus'' ====
[[Image:S122e008264.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Columbus (ISS module)|''Columbus'' module]] on the [[International Space Station]] orbiting the Earth in 2008]]

DLR operates the [[Columbus Control Centre]] in [[Oberpfaffenhofen]], Germany. It is responsible for the coordination of scientific activities as well as for systems operations and life support on board the orbiting Columbus laboratory.

In February 2008, the [[Columbus (ISS module)|''Columbus'' laboratory]], Europe's core contribution to the International Space Station [[International Space Station|ISS]], was brought into space by the Space Shuttle and docked to the ISS. The cylindrical module, which has a diameter of {{convert|4.5|m|ftin}}, contains state-of-the-art scientific equipment. It is planned to enable researchers on Earth to conduct thousands of experiments in biology, materials science, fluid physics and many other fields under conditions of weightlessness in space.

[[Image:STS-61-a-patch.png|thumb|right|The ''Deutschland-1'' orbital space plane flight, funded by West Germany, included over {{convert|7|short ton|t|order=flip}} of German science research equipment.]]

==== Spacelab, Shuttle, Mir, Soyuz ====
Germany has near ten astronauts and participates in ESA human space programs including flights of German astronauts aboard US [[Space Shuttle]]s and Russian spacecraft. Besides missions under ESA and flights on [[Soyuz (spacecraft)|Soyuz]] and [[Mir]], two Space Shuttle missions with the European built [[Spacelab]] were fully funded and organizationally and scientifically controlled by Germany (like a separate few by [[ESA]] and one by Japan) with German astronauts on board as hosts and not guests. The first West German mission ''[[Deutschland 1]]'' (Spacelab-D1, DLR-1, NASA designation [[STS-61-A]]) took place in 1985.

The second similar mission, ''[[Deutschland 2]]'' (Spacelab-D2, DLR-2, NASA designation [[STS-55]]), was first planned for 1988, but then due to the [[Space Shuttle Challenger disaster]] was delayed until 1993 when it became the first German human space mission after [[German reunification]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/spp/guide/germany/piloted/index.html |title=Germany and Piloted Space Missions |access-date=26 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402124617/http://fas.org/spp/guide/germany/piloted/index.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Earth-bound research and aeronautics ===

==== Remote sensing of the Earth ====
In [[remote sensing]] of the Earth, [[satellite]]s provide comprehensive and continually updated information on "System Earth". This remote sensing data is used to investigate the Earth's atmosphere, land and ocean surfaces, and ice sheets. Practical applications of this technology include environmental monitoring and disaster relief.

Following the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004]], for instance, up-to-date maps could be compiled very quickly using Earth observation satellites. These maps could then be used for orientation during relief missions. DLR conducts these research activities at the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) (German: ''Deutsches Fernerkundungsdatenzentrum''), a DLR institute based in Oberpfaffenhofen. Nowadays, satellite data is also important for [[Climatology|climate research]]: it is used to measure temperatures, {{CO2}} levels, [[Particulate|particulate matter]] levels, rainforest deforestation and the [[Albedo|radiation conditions]] of the Earth's surface (land, oceans, polar ice).

==== TerraSAR-X ====
The new German Earth observation satellite [[TerraSAR-X]] was launched in June 2007. The objective of this five-year mission is to provide radar remote sensing data to scientific and commercial users. The satellite's design is based on the technology and expertise developed in the X-SAR and SRTM SAR missions ([[Synthetic aperture radar|Synthetic Aperture Radar]]). The sensor has a number of different modes of operation, with a maximum resolution of one meter, and is capable of generating elevation profiles.

TerraSAR-X is the first satellite that was jointly paid for by government and industry. DLR contributed about 80 percent of the total expenses, with the remainder being covered by [[EADS Astrium]]. The satellite's core component is a radar sensor operating in the X band and capable of recording the Earth's surface using a range of different modes of operation, capturing an area of 10 to 100 kilometers in size with a resolution of 1 to 16 meters.

====Astronomical surveys====
The [[Uppsala–DLR Trojan Survey]] (UDTS) was a search for asteroids near [[Jupiter]] in the 1990s, in collaboration with the Swedish [[Uppsala Astronomical Observatory]]. When it concluded there was another survey, the [[Uppsala–DLR Asteroid Survey]], this time with a focus on [[Near Earth asteroids]] and both surveys discovered numerous objects.

==== Reusable launch systems ====
===== Suborbital Spaceplane =====
Studying a [[suborbital spaceplane]], DLR conducted [[Falke (spacecraft)|Falke]] prototype for [[Hermes (spaceplane)|Hermes]] spaceplane program, participates in non-realized [[Sanger II]] project and since 2005 work under the concept making fast intercontinental passenger transport possible. The [[SpaceLiner]] is a reusable vehicle lifting-off vertically and landing like a glider.

===== RETALT =====
DLR is a partner for [[RETALT]] (RETro Propulsion Assisted Landing Technologies), a program aiming to develop [[two-stage-to-orbit]] and [[single-stage to orbit]] [[reusable launch system]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10081/151_read-36131/ |title=RETALT project European reusable launch systems for more sustainability in spaceflight |last=DLR |website=DLR Portal |access-date=26 June 2019 |archive-date=26 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626180237/https://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10081/151_read-36131/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Aircraft design ====
DLR is involved in different European [[H2020]] projects (AGILE, AGILE4.0) concerning aircraft design with the objective to improve multidisciplinary optimization using distributed analysis frameworks.<ref name="agile">{{Cite web |title=AGILE |url=https://www.agile-project.eu/ |access-date=2020-02-13 |website=AGILE |language=en-US |archive-date=11 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311054741/https://www.agile-project.eu/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.agile4.eu/ |title=AGILE 4.0 – Towards cyber-physical collaborative aircraft development |language=en-US |access-date=2020-02-13 |archive-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213152803/https://www.agile4.eu/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Research aircraft ====
[[File:ILA 2008 PD 423.JPG|thumb|ATTAS]]
[[File:SOFIA in air.jpg|thumb|SOFIA's maiden flight on 26 April 2007]]

DLR operates Europe's largest fleet of research aircraft. The aircraft are used both as research objects and as research tools. DLR's research aircraft provide platforms for all kinds of research missions. Scientists and engineers can use them for practical, application-oriented purposes: Earth observation, atmospheric research or testing new aircraft components. DLR is for instance investigating wing [[Aeroelastic flutter|flutter]] and possible ways of eliminating it, which would also help to reduce aircraft noise. So-called "flying simulators" can be used to simulate the flight performance of aircraft that have not been built yet. This method was for instance used to test the [[Airbus A380]] in the early stages of its development. The [[VFW-Fokker 614|VFW 614]] '''ATTAS''' was used to test several systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fuel-cell-mv2.dlr.de/fl/produkte/dl/experimental2.htm |title=Experimental Cockpit}}{{Dead link|date=May 2010}}</ref>

The high-altitude research aircraft HALO ([[High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft]]) will be used for atmospheric research and Earth observation from 2009. With a cruising altitude of more than 15 kilometers and a range of over 8,000 kilometers, HALO will provide for the first time the capability to gather data on a continental scale, at all latitudes, from the tropics to the poles, and at altitudes as high as the lower stratosphere.

The Airbus A320-232 ''D-ATRA'', the latest and largest addition to the fleet, has been in use by the German Aerospace Center since late 2008. ATRA ([[Advanced Technology Research Aircraft]]) is a modern and flexible flight test platform which sets a new benchmark for flying test beds in European aerospace research – and not just because of its size.

DLR and [[NASA]] jointly operate the flying infrared telescope SOFIA ([[Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy]]). A [[Boeing 747SP]] with a modified fuselage enabling it to carry a reflecting telescope developed in Germany is used as an airborne research platform. The aircraft is operated by the [[Dryden Flight Research Center]] at Site 9 (USAF Plant 42) in Palmdale, California. Observation flights will be flown 3 or 4 nights a week, for up to eight hours at a time and at an altitude of 12 to 14 kilometers. SOFIA has been designed to remain operational for a period of 20 years. It is the successor to the [[Kuiper Airborne Observatory]] (KAO), which was deployed from 1974 to 1995.

On 31 January 2020, the DLR put its newest aircraft into service, a Falcon 2000LX ISTAR (In-flight Systems & Technology Airborne Research).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.flugrevue.de/zivil/neues-forschungsflugzeug-istar-in-braunschweig-dlr-uebernimmt-falcon-2000lx/ |title=Neues Forschungsflugzeug ISTAR in Braunschweig: DLR übernimmt Falcon 2000LX |date=2 February 2020 |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202114222/https://www.flugrevue.de/zivil/neues-forschungsflugzeug-istar-in-braunschweig-dlr-uebernimmt-falcon-2000lx/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Emissions research ====
[[File:ALNA, ILA 2018, Schönefeld (1X7A5222) (cropped).jpg|thumb|ALNA Advanced Low Noise Aircraft model at [[ILA Berlin Air Show]] 2018]]

DLR conducts research into {{CO2}} and noise emissions caused by air transport. In order to ensure that increasing traffic volumes do not lead to an increase in the noise pollution caused by air transport, DLR is investigating options for noise reduction. The "Low-noise Approach and Departure Procedures" research project (German: ''Lärmoptimierte An- und Abflugverfahren''), for instance, forms part of the national research project "Quiet Traffic" (German: ''Leiser Verkehr'').

The objective of this project is to find flight procedures that can reduce the amount of noise generated during takeoff and landing. One approach is to analyse noise propagation at ground level during takeoff using a large number of microphones. Researchers are also trying to reduce the noise at source, focusing for instance on airframe and engine noise. They hope to minimise noise generated in the engines using so-called "[[Active noise control|antinoise]]".

The German Aerospace Center's research work on {{CO2}} emissions caused by air transport focuses for instance on model calculations concerning the effects of converting the global aircraft fleet to [[Hydrogen vehicle|hydrogen propulsion]]. The growth rates of aviation are above average. This raises the question if {{CO2}} emission-free hydrogen propulsion could perhaps limit the effects of growing air traffic volumes on the environment and the climate.

==== Hydrogen as an energy carrier ====
The [[Herbal distillate|Hydrosol]] and [[Hydrosol-2]] is one of the energy research projects in which DLR scientists are engaged. For the first time, scientists have achieved thermal water splitting using solar energy, generating hydrogen and oxygen without {{CO2}} emissions. For this achievement, the DLR team and several other research groups received the [[Descartes Prize]], a research award created by the European Commission. The FP6 Hydrosol II pilot reactor (around 100&nbsp;kW) for solar [[Thermochemistry|thermochemical]] [[hydrogen production]] at the [[Plataforma Solar de Almería]] in Spain started in November 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=FP6_PROJ&ACTION=D&RCN=75098&DOC=1&CAT=PROJ&QUERY=1161712766968 |title=Hydrosol II |access-date=26 May 2010 |date=3 November 2009 |work=Sixth Framework Programme |publisher=[[CORDIS]] |archive-date=7 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707122954/http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=FP6_PROJ&ACTION=D&RCN=75098&DOC=1&CAT=PROJ&QUERY=1161712766968 |url-status=live }}</ref> and is in operation since 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1/86_read-14380/ |title=DLR scientists achieve solar hydrogen production in a 100-kilowatt pilot plant |access-date=26 May 2010 |date=25 November 2008 |work=DLR Portal |publisher=German Aerospace Center |archive-date=22 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622103525/http://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10002/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==== Traffic congestion====
[[File:Zeppelin nt dlr.jpg|thumb|[[Zeppelin NT]] carrying the DLR logo]]
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup football championship, DLR implemented the Soccer project aimed at preventing traffic congestion. In this transportation research project, traffic data was obtained from the air in Berlin, Stuttgart and Cologne and used as input for traffic forecasting. A sensor system combining a conventional and a thermographic camera was used to obtain the data. A zeppelin, an aeroplane and a helicopter served as flying research platforms. An image analysis software package generated aerial photos showing the current traffic parameters as well as traffic forecasts. In this way, traffic control centres could be provided with almost-real-time traffic information, and road users could be diverted whenever necessary.

==== Solar tower power plant ====
[[Image:PS10 solar power tower 2.jpg|thumb|The 11&nbsp;MW [[PS10]] near Seville in Spain]]
In 2007, the first commercially operated [[Solar power tower|solar tower power plant]], the [[PS10 solar power tower]], was commissioned. It has a capacity of eleven megawatt and it is located near Sevilla, in [[Sanlúcar la Mayor]] (Spain). DLR is prominently involved in developing the technology for this type of power plant.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/sectors/doc/csp/ps10_final_report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811230017/http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/sectors/doc/csp/ps10_final_report.pdf |title=Final technical progress report, for European Union officials (November 2006) |archive-date=11 August 2011}}</ref> In solar tower power plants, sun-tracking mirrors (heliostats) redirect the solar radiation onto a central heat exchanger (receiver) on top of a tower. This generates high-temperature process heat, which can then be used in gas or steam turbine power plants to generate electrical power for the public electricity grid. In the future, solar thermal tower plant technology could also be used to generate solar fuels, such as hydrogen, without {{CO2}} emissions.

== Locations ==
{{Location map+|Germany|width=300|float=right|caption=Locations of some of the DLR branches in Germany|places=
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=48.3218|long=10.8354|label=[[Augsburg]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=52.5124|long=13.3441|label=[[Berlin]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=50.6358|long=7.0547|label=[[Bonn]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=52.1600|long=10.3100|label=[[Braunschweig]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=53.0930|long=8.7825|label=[[Bremen]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=53.5217|long=8.5834|label=[[Bremerhaven]]|position=left}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=51.8640|long=11.4225|label=[[Cochstedt]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=50.8137|long=6.9611|label=[[Cologne]]|position=top}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=51.0405|long=13.7159|label=[[Dresden]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=51.4200|long=9.8600|label=[[Göttingen]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=53.5300|long=10.0000|label=[[Hamburg]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=52.3700|long=9.7300|label=[[Hanover]]|position=left}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=50.9300|long=11.5900|label=[[Jena]]|position=left}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=49.1550|long=9.2400|label=[[Lampoldshausen]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=53.3200|long=13.0400|label=[[Neustrelitz]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=48.0400|long=11.1600|label=[[Oberpfaffenhofen]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=53.5746|long=9.5072|label=[[Stade]]|position=top}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=48.4700|long=9.1100|label=[[Stuttgart]]|position=left}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=52.7600|long=10.0800|label=[[Faßberg|Trauen]]}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=48.3955|long=9.9712|label=[[Ulm]]|position=top}}
 {{Location map~|Germany|lat=47.8000|long=11.0800|label=[[Weilheim in Oberbayern|Weilheim]]|position=left}}
}}

As of 2022, the DLR had 35 sites in Germany:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-12 |title=Locations and offices - |work=NAV_NODE DLR Portal |url=http://www.dlr.de/EN/organisation-dlr/dlr/locations-and-offices.html |access-date=2022-10-12 |publisher=DLR e.V. |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126194355/https://www.dlr.de/EN/organisation-dlr/dlr/locations-and-offices.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Aachen]] and Aachen-Merzbrück
* Small Aircraft Technology<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/kf/en |title=Small Aircraft Technology - DLR Homepage |access-date=20 January 2021 |publisher=DLR e.V. |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128061459/https://www.dlr.de/kf/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-15601/25292_read-63154/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Augsburg]]
* Augsburg-Universitätsviertel
** Center for Lightweight Production Technology (Zentrum für Leichtbauproduktionstechnik)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/augsburg |title=DLR Augsburg - Zentrum für Leichtbauproduktionstechnik |access-date=21 December 2014 |publisher=DLR e.V. |language=de |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128061437/https://www.dlr.de/de/das-dlr/standorte-und-bueros/augsburg?expand=translations,nearest-inav-root,breadcrumbs,actions,navigation&expand.navigation.depth=3 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Image:DLR Berlin.jpg|thumb|right|DLR at Adlershof, Berlin in 2007]]
[[Berlin]]
* Berlin-Adlershof
** Institute of Planetary Research (Institut für Planetenforschung)<ref name=nasa20110916>{{cite web |title=NASA's Journey Above Vesta |url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=1020 |work=DLR Institute of Planetary Research video with NASA JPL imagery |publisher=NASA |date=16 September 2011 |access-date=18 September 2011 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422151226/http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=1020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** Institute of Transport Research (Institut für Verkehrsforschung)
** Institute of Optical Sensor Systems (Institut für Optische Sensorsysteme)<ref>{{cite web |title=Institute of Optical Sensor Systems |url=http://www.dlr.de/os/en |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=15 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215205707/http://www.dlr.de/os/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** Applied Remote Sensing Cluster
** Project Management Agency - Information Technology
** Institute of Space Systems, Department of System Conditioning (Abt. Systemkonditionierung)
** DLR School Lab
* Located at [[Technical University of Berlin|TU Berlin]]
** Institute of Propulsion Technology, Department of Engine Acoustics (Abt. Triebwerksakustik)
* Berlin-Charlottenburg{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Berlin-Carnot-Strasse{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Berlin-Zentrum
** Project Management Agencies at DLR
** Simulation and Software Technology

[[Bonn]]
* Bonn-Oberkassel
** Space Agency (Raumfahrt-Agentur)
** Project management for aerospace research and technology (Projektträger Luftfahrtforschung und -technologie)
** DLR Project Management Agency (DLR-Projektträger)
** International Office of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research ([[BMBF]]) - pursues the goal of expanding the international connections of German universities, research institutions and companies
** [[EUREKA]]/[[European Cooperation in Science and Technology|COST]] Office
** EU Office of the [[BMBF]]
* Bonn-Bad Godesberg
** DLR Project Management Agency (DLR-Projektträger)

[[Braunschweig]]<ref name="DLR Braunschweig">{{Cite web |title=DLR Institutes and facilities at a glance |url=https://www.dlr.de/SiteGlobals/Forms/Suche/Alle-Institute-und-Einrichtungen/EN/alle-institute-und-einrichtungen_formular.html#Form493f3859-0ada-4d0d-bb22-cf441ca26cbd |access-date=24 March 2023 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324134251/https://www.dlr.de/SiteGlobals/Forms/Suche/Alle-Institute-und-Einrichtungen/EN/alle-institute-und-einrichtungen_formular.html#Form493f3859-0ada-4d0d-bb22-cf441ca26cbd |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Flight operations
* Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology
* Institute of Lightweight Systems
* Institute of Flight Guidance
* Institute of Flight Systems
* Institute of Transportation Systems
* Institute of Software Technology
* German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW)
* DLR School Lab

[[Bremen]]
* Institute of Space Systems
* Maritime Security Centre
* DLR School Lab<ref name="DLR Bremen2">{{Cite web |title=DLR_School_Lab - Bremen |url=http://www.dlr.de/schoollab/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-7605/12866_read-32405/ |access-date=31 December 2016 |archive-date=1 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101091756/http://www.dlr.de/schoollab/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-7605/12866_read-32405/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Bremerhaven]]
* Institut for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures

[[Cologne]]
* Executive Board (Vorstand)
* Institute of Airport Operations and Air Traffic
* Institute of Propulsion Technology<ref>{{cite web |title=Institut für Antriebstechnik |url=http://www.dlr.de/at/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1490/2091_read-3604/ |access-date=30 August 2013 |archive-date=28 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828140429/http://www.dlr.de/at/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1490/2091_read-3604 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Institute of Aerospace Medicine{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Material Physics in Space{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Materials Research
* Institute of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Köln Wind Tunnel Department
* Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, Solar Research Department
* Space flight and astronaut training
* Simulation and Software Engineering
* Center for Solidification of Supercooled Melts (ZEUS){{citation needed|date=August 2012}} (Zentrum für Erstarrung Unterkühlter Schmelzen)
* DLR School Lab{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW){{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

[[Magdeburg–Cochstedt Airport|Cochstedt]]
* National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/ux/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-13303/23288_read-67121/ |title=National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems - DLR Portal |access-date=20 January 2021 |publisher=DLR e.V. |language=de |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225084656/https://www.dlr.de/ux/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-13303/23288_read-67121/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Cottbus]] and [[Zittau]]
* Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/di/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-13342/23331_read-54008/ |title=Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes - DLR Homepage |access-date=20 January 2021 |publisher=DLR e.V. |language=en |archive-date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201143249/https://www.dlr.de/di/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-13342/23331_read-54008/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Dresden]]
* Institute of Software Methods for Product Virtualization<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/content/en/institutes/institute-of-software-methods-for-product-virtualization.html |title=Institute of Software Methods for Product Virtualization - DLR Portal |work=SIP DLR Portal |access-date=20 January 2021 |publisher=DLR e.V. |language=en |archive-date=7 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207154033/https://www.dlr.de/content/en/institutes/institute-of-software-methods-for-product-virtualization.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Geesthacht]]
* Institute of Maritime Energy Systems<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/ms/en/ |title=Institute of Maritime Energy Systems - DLR Portal |access-date=20 January 2021 |publisher=DLR e.V. |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128061535/https://www.dlr.de/ms/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-15490/25160_read-63144/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Göttingen]]
* Institute of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
* Institute of Aeroelasticity
* Institute of Drive Systems
* German-Dutch Wind Tunnels (DNW)
* DLR School Lab
* DLR Systems Engineering (Systemhaus Technik)
* DLR Technology Marketing
* DLR Central Archive<ref>DLR Website, retrieved 6 February 2012, http://www.dlr.de/dlr/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10279/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313230143/http://dlr.de/dlr/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10279/ |date=13 March 2013 }}</ref>

[[Hannover]]
* Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hannover.de/Service/Presse-Medien/hannover.de/Aktuelles/Wirtschaft-Wissenschaft-2018/Neues-Institut-f%C3%BCr-Quantentechnologie |title=Neues Institut für Quantentechnologie &#124; Wirtschaft & Wissenschaft 2018 &#124; Aktuelles &#124; Hannover.de &#124; Presse & Medien &#124; Service |access-date=12 November 2018 |archive-date=2 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802180845/https://www.hannover.de/Service/Presse-Medien/Hannover.de/Aktuelles/Wirtschaft-Wissenschaft-2018/Neues-Institut-f%C3%BCr-Quantentechnologie |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Hamburg]]
* Department of Aerospace Psychology (besides research, also involved in the selection of astronauts and [[Lufthansa]] pilots)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) Abteilung Luft- und Raumfahrtpsychologie |url=http://www.dlr.de/me/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-5080 |access-date=30 August 2013 |archive-date=3 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903050843/http://www.dlr.de/me/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-5080 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Institute of Aerospace Medicine
* Research Center for Air Transport Systems<ref>{{cite web |title=Institut für Lufttransportsysteme |url=http://www.dlr.de/lk/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-4458/7301_read-17310/ |publisher=Institut für Lufttransportsysteme |access-date=30 August 2013 |archive-date=2 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902230824/http://www.dlr.de/lk/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-4458/7301_read-17310 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* DLR School Lab{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

[[Jena]]
* Institute of Data Science<ref>{{cite web |title=Institute of Data Science |url=https://www.dlr.de/dw/en/ |access-date=14 June 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128061431/https://www.dlr.de/dw/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-12192/21400_read-49437/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Jülich]]
* Institute for Solar Research
* Institute for Future Fuels

[[Lampoldshausen]]
* Institute of Space Propulsion
* Institute of Technical Physics

[[Neustrelitz]]
* Institute of Communications and Navigation: GNSS Validation and Completion Techniques (Validierungs- und Ergänzungstechniken)
* Institute of Communications and Navigation: Ionospheric Effects and Corrections{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Remote Sensing Technology Institute: Atmospheric Processes (Atmosphärenprozessoren){{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* German Remote Sensing Data Centre - National Ground Segment
* Technology Marketing{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* DLR School Lab{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

[[Image:Flugplatz Oberpfaffenhofen Aerial.jpg|thumb|right|Oberpfaffenhofen airport with the adjacent DLR Oberpfaffenhofen site on the West]]
[[Oberpfaffenhofen]] {{anchor|Oberpfaffenhofen}}
* Applied Remote Sensing Cluster
* Space Operations and Astronaut Training
* German Remote Sensing Data Center ([[Deutsches Fernerkundungsdatenzentrum|DFD]])
* Flight Operations
* Institute of Microwaves and Radar Systems (Institut für Hochfrequenztechnik und Radarsysteme){{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Communications and Navigation (Institut für Kommunikation und Navigation){{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Remote Sensing Technology{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Atmospheric Physics (Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre){{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Robotics and [[Mechatronics]] (Institut für Robotik und Mechatronik)<ref>{{cite web |title=Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics |url=http://www.dlr.de/rm/en |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=17 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717015852/http://www.dlr.de/rm/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Institute of System Dynamics and Control (Institut für Systemdynamik und Regelungstechnik)<ref>{{cite web |title=Institute of System Dynamics and Control |url=http://www.dlr.de/sr/en |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-date=21 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321103435/http://www.dlr.de/sr/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* German Space Operations Center ([[Deutsches Raumfahrt-Kontrollzentrum]]){{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* DLR GfR mbH (DLR Gesellschaft für Raumfahrtanwendungen mbH)<ref>{{cite web |title=DLR Gesellschaft für Raumfahrtanwendungen|url=https://www.dlr-gfr.com|access-date=15 July 2025 }}</ref>
* DLR School Lab{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

[[Oldenburg (city)|Oldenburg]]
* Institute of Networked Energy Systems (Institut für Vernetzte Energiesysteme)<ref name="Institute Networked Energy Systems">{{cite web |title=Institute Networked Energy Systems |url=https://www.dlr.de/ve/en/ |access-date=18 January 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128061535/https://www.dlr.de/ve/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-12472/21440_read-49440/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Rheinbach]]
* Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures

[[Sankt Augustin|St. Augustin]]
* Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures
* Institute for AI Safety and Security

[[Stade]]
* Institute of Lightweight Systems
* Center for Lightweight Production Technology

[[Stuttgart]]
* Institute of Structures and Design
* Institute of Vehicle Concepts{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Technical Physics{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics
* Institute of Combustion Technology{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
* Institute of Networked Energy Systems (Institut für Vernetzte Energiesysteme)<ref name="Institute Networked Energy Systems"/>
* DLR School Lab{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

[[Faßberg|Trauen]]
* Institute of Propulsion Technology, Engine / Fire Safety department<ref>{{cite web |title=Institute of Propulsion Technology |url=https://www.dlr.de/at/en/ |access-date=20 January 2021 |publisher=DLR e.V. |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128055001/https://www.dlr.de/at/en/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Ulm]]
* Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics
* Institute of Quantum Technologies
* Institute for AI Safety and Security

[[Weilheim in Oberbayern|Weilheim]] (Oberbayern)
* Space Operations and Astronaut Training

==Space Situational Awareness Centre==
Space Situational Awareness Centre ({{lang|de|[[:de:Weltraumlagezentrum]]}}) in [[Uedem]] is a civil-military facility operated by the German Armed Forces Space Command Space Component Command ({{lang|de|[[:de:Weltraumkommando der Bundeswehr]]}}) and the German Aerospace Center. It has to detect and analyse all relevant objects in the near-Earth space and warn the public of possible risks arising from the atmospheric re-entry of space debris.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://event.dlr.de/en/ila2022/weltraumlagezentrum/|title=Space situational awareness centre}}</ref>

==Human spaceflight==
Examples of DLR or parent institution human spaceflight missions:<ref name="dlr.de">{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/rb/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2814/ |title=DLR - Space Operations and Astronaut Training - Completed Missions |access-date=31 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033320/http://www.dlr.de/rb/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2814/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* FSLP (1983), with [[Ulf Merbold]] using Spaceman on [[STS-9]]
* D1 (1985), with [[Reinhard Furrer]] and [[Ernst Messerschmid]] (with Netherlands' [[Wubbo Ockels]] on STS-61-A)
* D2 (1993), with [[Hans Schlegel]] and [[Ulrich Walter]]
* Mir 92/92E (1992), with [[Klaus-Dietrich Flade]]
* [[Euromir]] 94, with Ulf Merbold
* Euromir 95, with [[Thomas Reiter]]
* MIR '97, with [[Reinhold Ewald]]
* X-SAR/SRTM (2000), with [[Gerhard Thiele]]
* Blue dot (2014), with [[Alexander Gerst]], on the [[International Space Station|ISS]]
* Horizons (2018), with Alexander Gerst, on the ISS

==Research aircraft==
[[File:DLR-Forschungsflieger A320-232 D-ATRA.jpg|thumb|DLR's A320 D-ATRA]]
Examples of research aircraft:<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated -->|url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/research-infrastructure/research-aircraft-fleet |title=In action worldwide - Flying for research |publisher=DLR |access-date=31 October 2025 }}</ref>
* [[Dassault Falcon 2000|Dassault Falcon 2000LX]] ("D-BDLR", for ISTAR<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated -->|url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/research-infrastructure/research-aircraft-fleet/istar-dassault-falcon-2000lx-d-bdlr |title=ISTAR Dassault Falcon 2000LX B-DLR|publisher=DLR|access-date=31 October 2025 }}</ref>)
* [[Bo 105]] (for ATTHeS In-Flight Simulator)
* [[Eurocopter EC 135|EC 135]] (for Flying Helicopter Simulator (FHS))
* [[VFW 614]] (for ATTAS, now retired and exposed<ref>{{cite web |author=<!-- not stated -->|url=https://www.deutsches-museum.de/en/flugwerft-schleissheim/exhibition/air-sports-and-civil-aviation/vfw-614-attas |title=VFW-614 ATTAS |publisher=Deutsche Museum|access-date=31 October 2025 }}</ref> at the [[Deutsches Museum Flugwerft Schleissheim]])
* [[Boeing 747SP]] (DLR/NASA project for [[Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy|SOFIA]])
* [[Airbus A320-232]] ("D-ATRA")
* [[Zeppelin NT]] (for traffic analysis)
* [[Cessna 208B Grand Caravan]] ("D-FDLR")
* [[Dassault Falcon 20|Dassault Falcon 20E]] ("D-CMET")
* [[Glaser-Dirks DG-300|DG 300 Elan-17]] (glider)
* [[Dornier 228|Dornier 228-101]] ("D-CODE")
* Dornier 228-212 ("D-CFFU")
* [[Robin DR400|DR 400/200R Remorqueur]] ("D-EDVE")
* [[Gulfstream G550]] ("D-ADLR", for HALO)
* [[LFU 205]] ("D-ELFU", since 1985)
* [[Grob Strato 2C]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/ft/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1388/1918_read-3386/ |title=DLR - Institute of Flight Systems - History – Road Map of Events: 1992-1994 |first=Ercan |last=Kayaoglu |access-date=31 December 2016 |archive-date=1 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101091414/http://www.dlr.de/ft/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1388/1918_read-3386/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ("D-CDLR", retired)

==Space missions==
[[File:PIA00128 Moon (18 Image Mosaic).jpg|thumb|The DLR produced this digitally processed image of the Moon.]]
Examples of DLR (or parent institution) space missions.<ref name="dlr.de"/> Many of these are also joint or international missions.

===Future===
* [[Idefix (rover)|Idefix]] - [[Phobos (moon)|Phobos]] rover in collaboration with CNES, for the JAXA-led [[Martian Moons eXploration]] mission

===Current===
* [[TanDEM-X]] - TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement
* [[Prisma (satellite project)|Prisma]]
* SATCOMBw
* [[TerraSAR-X]]
* [[Columbus (ISS module)|Columbus]]
* [[SAR-Lupe]]
* DESIS, the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer, a VIS/NIR [[Hyperspectral imaging|hyperspectral imager]] on the [[International Space Station]] developed together with [[Teledyne Brown Engineering]]
* [[EnMAP]]

===Past===
* [[BIRD (satellite)|BIRD]] - Bispectral InfraRed Detector
* FIREBIRD, the BIRD successor mission consisting of [[TET-1]] (Technology Experiment Carrier) and BIROS (Bispectral InfraRed Optical Satellite, formerly Berlin InfraRed Optical Satellite)
* [[Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment|GRACE]] - Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment
* [[EuCROPIS]] (Euglena and Combined Regenerative Organic-Food Production in Space)
* [[CHAMP (satellite)|CHAMP]] - CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload
* [[Azur (satellite)|AZUR]]
* [[AEROS (satellite)|AEROS]]
* [[Dawn (spacecraft)]]
* [[Helios (spacecraft)|HELIOS]]
* AMPTE
* GALILEO
* [[ROSAT]]
* EXPRESS
* Equator-S
* MOMS-2P
* [[ABRIXAS]]
* [[Symphonie|SYMPHONIE A+B]]
* TV-Sat 1 & 2
* [[DFS Kopernikus|DFS Kopernikus 1,2,3]]
* EUTELSAT II (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6)
* EUTELSAT W (W2, W3, W4, W1R, HB6, W5)
* [[Rosetta (spacecraft)|Rosetta]]
* Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV)
* [[MASCOT]] lander onboard [[Hayabusa2]]

==''DLR Magazine''==
''DLR Magazine'' is the institute's flagship publication, also published in English as of June 2010.<ref name=dlrmag>{{cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10625//year-all/ |publisher=DLR Website |title=DLR Magazine Archive |access-date=15 November 2018 |archive-date=15 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115153702/https://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10625//year-all/ |url-status=live }} {{cite web |url=http://www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-618/ |title=older archive 1998 - 2010 |access-date=24 January 2011 |archive-date=27 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127023436/http://www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-618/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Subject matter includes science, editorials and images.<ref name=dlrmag/>

==See also==
* [[Open access in Germany]]
* [[Die Astronautin]]
* [[List of aerospace flight test centres]]
* [[List of government space agencies]]

== References ==

{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt}}
* [https://www.dlr.de/ Homepage of the DLR]
** [https://www.dlr.de/en DLR Homepage English]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040611173439/http://www.schoollab.dlr.de/ DLR School Lab] ''Schülerlabor''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040612203657/http://www.dlr.org/ Website of the Washington DC DLR Office]
* [https://www.helmholtz.de Helmholtz Community (HGF)]

{{Public sector space agencies}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Space agencies]]
[[Category:Research institutes in Germany]]
[[Category:Aviation in Germany]]
[[Category:Space technology research institutes]]
[[Category:Aeronautics organizations]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Cologne]]
[[Category:Porz]]
[[Category:Space programme of Germany]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in West Germany]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1969]]
[[Category:Aerospace research institutes]]