German Aerospace Center

{{Short description|German research center for aerospace and power engineering}} {{Use American English|date=January 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}} {{Infobox organization | name = German Aerospace Center | native_name = Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. | native_name_lang = de | logo = German Aerospace Center (DLR) logo.svg | image = DLR 01 Vorstandsgebäude CCBY4.0.jpg | caption = Building in Cologne housing the headquarters of the Executive Board | abbreviation = DLR | coordinates = {{Coord|50|51|09|N|07|07|21|E|display=inline,title}} | formation = 1907 (origins); 1969 (DFVLR); current name since 1997 | type = Registered association (non-profit) | purpose = Applied research and basic research; space agency | headquarters = Cologne, Germany | leader_title = Executive Board Chair | leader_name = Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla (since 1 October 2020) | num_staff = 11,786 | num_staff_year = 2024 | website = {{URL|https://www.dlr.de/en|dlr.de}} }} thumb|DLR Locations in Germany

The '''German Aerospace Center''' ({{langx|de|Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.}}; '''DLR''') is Germany's research and technology organisation for aeronautics and space. It conducts research for these fields, as well as in energy, transport, security and defence. The ''German Space Agency at the DLR'' is Germany's space agency. DLR also serves as a project management agency (''Projektträger'') both nationally and internationally.

DLR is headquartered in Cologne. It operates at 30 locations across Germany with 51 institutes, facilities and competence centres.<ref name="Standorte">{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/locations-and-offices |title=Locations and offices in Germany and abroad |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> DLR employs a total of 11,786 people (as of 2024).<ref name="MAZ">{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/about-us/dlr-in-numbers/personnel |title=Personnel|website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

DLR is actively engaged in European and international research networks and maintains offices in Brussels, Paris, Washington D.C. and Tokyo. It also collaborates with several international research infrastructures, including Andøya, Norway (launch site for sounding rockets), Almería, Spain (research, development and test centre for concentrating solar technologies), Évora, Portugal (solar field with parabolic trough test facility for molten salt), Gars O'Higgins, Antarctica (satellite data receiving station), Inuvik, Canada (satellite data reception station), and Kiruna, Sweden (launch site for sounding rockets).

== History == === 1907 to 1945 === The origins of aeronautics and space research in Germany date back to 1907, when Ludwig Prandtl founded the MVA, the ''Modellversuchsanstalt für Aerodynamik der Motorluftschiff-Studiengesellschaft'' in Göttingen, which later became the Aerodynamics Research Institute (''Aerodynamische Versuchsanstalt''; AVA).<ref name="HistLB">{{Cite web |url=https://www.historisches-lexikon-bayerns.de/Lexikon/Deutsches_Zentrum_f%C3%BCr_Luft-_und_Raumfahrt_e._V._(DLR) |title=Historisches Lexikon Bayerns: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR) |website=historisches-lexikon-bayerns.de |access-date=10 July 2025}}</ref> Other important predecessors include the German Experimental Institute for Aviation (''Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt''; DVL) in Berlin-Adlershof, founded in 1912; the German Aeronautical Research Institute (''Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luftfahrt''; DFL) in Braunschweig, founded in 1936;<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jankowski |first=Daniel |title=Ein Ort der Forschung. Die Geschichte der Deutschen Forschungsanstalt für Luftfahrt/Luftfahrtforschungsanstalt Hermann Göring und der Forschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft bei Braunschweig-Völkenrode zwischen 1936 und 1966 |publisher=Einert & Krink |location=Schellerten |year=2023 |isbn=978-3-947803-07-1 |pages=22–61 |url=https://www.thuenen.de/media/ti/Newsroom/Aktuelles/Geschichtsbuch_Ein_Ort_der_Forschung/Daniel_Jankowski_Ein_Ort_der_Forschung_1_DFL_LFA_neu.pdf}}</ref> and the Aeronautical Radio Research Institute Oberpfaffenhofen (''Flugfunk Forschungsinstitut Oberpfaffenhofen''; FFO), founded in 1937 and led by Max Dieckmann.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/de/das-dlr/ueber-uns/geschichte-des-dlr/die-geschichte-des-dlr-standorts-oberpfaffenhofen-von-1937-bis-2004 |title=TDie Geschichte des DLR-Standorts Oberpfaffenhofen – von 1937 bis 2004 |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> During the Nazi era, these institutions were involved in armaments research and, in some cases, made use of forced labour.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Ahlbrecht |first1=Bernd-Rüdiger |last2=Strunk |first2=Peter |title=100 Jahre Innovation aus Adlershof. Wiege der deutschen Motorluftfahrt (Adlershofer Geschichten Band 1) |publisher=Wista-Management GmbH |location=Berlin |year=2009 |url=https://www.adlershof.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/Geschichte_der_DVL.pdf |pages=52–62}}</ref> The predecessor of today's Institute of Aerospace Medicine (''Institut für Luft- und Raumfahrtmedizin'') was involved in human experiments, in which physician Siegfried Ruff played a central role.<ref>{{cite magazine |author= |date=1960-10-11 |title=Ruff unter Druck |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ruff-unter-druck-a-d26e71ed-0002-0001-0000-000043067077 |magazine=Der Spiegel |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

=== 1946 to 1969 === After the World War II, aeronautical research was initially subject to Allied restrictions.<ref name="HistLB" /> Reconstruction began in the 1950s, particularly in Bavaria, where the FFO was integrated into the DVL.<ref name="HistLB" />

=== Since 1969 === By the late 1960s, the fragmented research landscape was considered unsustainable, despite strong resistance from individual stakeholders.<ref name="HistLB" /> In 1969, the German Research and Test Institute for Aviation and Space Flight (''Deutsche Forschungs- und Versuchsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt''; DFVLR) was founded through the merger of the DVL, AVA, DFL and other institutes.<ref name="HistLB" /> In 1989, it was renamed the German Research Institute for Aviation and Spaceflight (''Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt''; DLR) and in 1997 it merged with the German Agency for Spaceflight Affairs (''Deutsche Agentur für Raumfahrtangelegenheiten''; DARA), forming the present-day DLR.<ref name="HistLB" />

== Organisation == === Core activities === DLR conducts research and development with a focus on aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and defence. As an independent organisational unit alongside the research institutes, the German Space Agency at DLR is responsible for planning and implementing Germany's space activities on behalf of the German Federal Government. Other independent organisational units are ''Projektträger'' (DLR's project management agency) and, for aviation, the Programme Management Agency for Aviation Research. Both oversee funding programmes and promote knowledge transfer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/about-us |title=About us |website=dlr.de |access-date=10 July 2025}}</ref>

=== Funding === DLR's institutional research is funded by the federal government and by the federal states in which it has sites. DLR also raises third-party funds. In 2024, DLR's total funding amounted to 1.701 billion euros. The federal and state governments contributed 52.9 per cent of this, while 47.1 per cent came from third-party funding.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/de/das-dlr/ueber-uns/das-dlr-in-zahlen/finanzierung |title=Finanzen |website=dlr.de |access-date=10 February 2026}}</ref>

=== Memberships === Among others, DLR is a member of the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS),<ref>{{Cite web |author=CCSDS |url=https://ccsds.org/participation/member-agencies/ |title=Member Agencies |website=ccsds.org |access-date=10 July 2025}}</ref> the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS)<ref>{{Cite web |author=ECSS |url=https://ecss.nl/organization/members/ |title=Members |website=ecss.nl |access-date=10 July 2025}}</ref> and the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Hermann von Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren e.V. |url=https://www.helmholtz.de/en/about-us/helmholtz-centers/centers-a-z/centre/german-aerospace-center-dlr/ |title=German Aerospace Center (DLR) |website=helmholtz.de |access-date=10 July 2025}}</ref>

== Research overview == DLR conducts research in the key areas of aeronautics, space, energy and transport, as well as the cross-cutting fields of security, defence and digitalisation. Its focus is on the development of new applications as well as the associated societal, technological and economic challenges. DLR collaborates with public stakeholders – including ministries, local authorities and agencies – providing data and evidence to support decision-making. It also cooperates with industry. DLR's goal is to drive innovation and technology transfer, contributing to practical new technical and technological applications, developing intellectual property rights and licences and supporting startups.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer |title=Research and Transfer |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/innovation-and-transfer |title=Innovation and Transfer |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Aeronautics === DLR's aeronautics research focuses on climate-compatible and safe aviation, including efficient, low-emission electric propulsion systems, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), aerodynamics, noise reduction and assistance systems. With its research infrastructure, including test benches and research aircraft, DLR carries out projects on environmentally compatible fuels, propulsion technologies, aerodynamics and atmospheric research. The respective research infrastructure includes wind tunnels in Göttingen and Braunschweig for airflow testing, <ref>{{cite web |last=Schulz |first=Verena |date=2013 |title=Windkanal des DLR wird 50 Jahre alt - HNA-Volontärin im Selbstversuch |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4pCJ0Eo3HM |website=YouTube channel of Hessische/Niedersächsische Allgemeine |language=de |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |title=Niedergeschwindigkeits-Windkanal Braunschweig |url=https://www.dnw.aero/wind-tunnels/nwb/ |website=dnw.aero |location= |publisher= |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |title=Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt |url=https://www.braunschweig.de/innovationsportal/smarte-wissenschaft/dlr.php |website=braunschweig.de |publisher=City of Braunschweig|access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref> as well as the ACT/FHS Flying Helicopter Simulator.<ref>{{cite web |author= |title=20 Jahre Forschungshubschrauber ACT/FHS |url=https://niedersachsen-aviation.de/news/20%20Jah%C2%ADre%20For%C2%ADschungs%C2%ADhub%C2%ADschrau%C2%ADber%20ACT/FHS |website=niedersachsen-aviation.de |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref>

=== Space === DLR's space research develops concepts for earth observation, communication and navigation. It develops, tests and qualifies space technologies. With a focus on sustainability, it focuses on reusable space systems, environmentally compatible fuels, maintainable satellites and space debris removal. DLR's exploration projects are carried out within international collaborations and target destinations both within and outside the Solar System, such as the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission to Mars's moon Phobos – a German-French-Japanese collaboration. DLR conducts research under space conditions, using sounding rockets to carry experiments to the edge of space. DLR also operates the German Space Operations Center (GSOC)<ref>{{cite web |last=Baldenhofer |first=Kurt G. |date=2026-01-24 |title=Deutsches Raumfahrtkontrollzentrum (GSOC) |url=https://www.fe-lexikon.info/lexikon/deutsches_raumfahrtkontrollzentrum |website=fe-lexikon.info |language=de |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref> and supports decision-makers and disaster relief teams on the ground and in crisis situations worldwide through its Center for Satellite-Based Crisis Information (''Zentrum für satellitengestützte Kriseninformation'', ZKI)<ref>{{cite web |last=Epler |first=Natalie |date=2011-04-18 |title=The DLR Center for Satellite based Crisis Information (ZKI): Current status and considerations for the future |url=https://www.un-spider.org/book/5098/dlr-center-satellite-based-crisis-information-zki-current-status-and-considerations |website=un-spider.org |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref>.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/space |title=Space |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Energy === DLR's energy research focuses on solutions in electricity, heat and chemical energy carriers. Through numerous projects, it investigates concepts for renewable energy generation, storage and conversion. The energy research area operates 64 test and experimental facilities, advancing projects to high levels of technology readiness. Research includes technology concepts for generating electricity and hydrogen from renewable sources, the development of efficient energy storage systems and the modelling and simulation of entire energy systems. At the Wind Energy Research Park (WiValdi) in Krummendeich, DLR is researching quieter and more cost-effective wind turbines.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pluta |first=Werner |date=2023-08-29 |title=Turbulenzen im Windpark |url=https://www.golem.de/news/dlr-turbulenzen-im-windpark-2308-177046.html|website=golem.de |language=de |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref> DLR also operates solar tower power plants in Jülich<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-11-13 |title=10 years of research at Solar Tower Jülich |url=https://www.energieforschung.de/en/home/news/2019/10-years-of-research-at-the-juelich-solar-tower |website=energieforschung.de |publisher=Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref> and at the Plataforma Solar de Almería,<ref>{{cite web |title=Scope of collaboration |url=https://www.psa.es/en/gen/colaboracion.php |website=psa.es |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref> in collaboration with the Spanish research institute CIEMAT.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/energy |title=Energy |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Transport === DLR's transport research focuses on the development of technological solutions for rail, road and maritime transport. Through a wide range of projects, DLR is working to promote safe, future-proof mobility and to make transport more sustainable through climate-compatible propulsion concepts. The respective infrastructure includes autonomous research vehicles, test benches, simulators, as well as measurement and test tracks. These facilities enable DLR to conduct research into both concepts that affect the transport system as a whole and vehicle concepts such as the ''Next Generation Car'' family,<ref>{{cite news |last=Pluta |first=Werner |date=2019-03-22 |title=Das Fahrzeug der Zukunft ist modular |url=https://www.golem.de/news/next-generation-car-das-fahrzeug-der-zukunft-ist-modular-1903-140149.html|website=golem.de |language=de |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |date=2018-08-28 |title=DLR entwickelt sicheres Leichtauto für die Zukunft |url=https://www.auto-medienportal.net/artikel/detail/45475 |website=auto-medienportal.net |language=de |access-date=}}</ref> as well as their subsystems. DLR is also active in maritime traffic management and implements projects on emission-free shipping, automated assistance systems and transport chain coordination at the national and international levels.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/transport |title=Transport |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Security and defence === DLR contributes to the development, testing and evaluation of security- and defence-related technologies. Its strategic focus encompasses the protection and monitoring of critical infrastructure,<ref>{{cite web |last=Finlayson |first=Dagmar |date=2022-10-20 |title=Die Universität der Bundeswehr München und das Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) haben einen Kooperationsvertrag über die gemeinsame Forschung und Entwicklung für den verbesserten Schutz kritischer Infrastrukturen in Deutschland geschlossen |url=https://www.krankenhaus-it.de/print.1985/neue-forschungskooperation-zum-schutz-kritischer-infrastrukturen.html |website=krankenhaus-it.de |language=de |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref> crisis and disaster management, border security and protection against terrorism.<ref>{{cite web |author=Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences |title=Gebündelte Kräfte für die Sicherheit |url=https://issuu.com/h-brs/docs/hbrs_21_02_jahresbericht_2020_gesamt_rz16_issuu/s/13104731 |website=issuu.com |access-date=2026-04-10}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/security |title=Security and defence |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Digitalisation === DLR's research into digitalisation <ref>{{cite magazine |author= |date=2017-12-05 |title=Das Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) hat eine neue Strategie|url=https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Schlaglichter-der-Wirtschaftspolitik/2017/12/artikel-1-aktuelle-themen-und-analysen.html?cms_artId=f8f9a4dc-d5d9-4ad1-b70f-fd9e4fe9fb79 |magazine=Schlaglichter der Wirtschaftspolitik |publisher=Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref> aims to provide impulses for industry and to develop new technologies, methods and processes in an application-oriented manner, deploying them in research and research management. Key areas include artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/digitalisation |title=Digitalisation |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

<gallery perrow="3" style="margin:0 auto;" class="center"> DLR 03 Niedergeschwindigkeits-Windkanal CCBY4.0.jpeg|Low-speed wind tunnel of the DLR in Braunschweig DLR 04 LUNA-Missionssimulation CCBY4.0.jpeg|LUNA mission simulation, cooperation between humans and robots DLR-05 Automatische Verkehrsdetektion CCBY4.0.jpeg|Automatic traffic detection at the Allianz Arena (Munich) DLR 06 Windenergieanlage OPUS-1 CCBY4.0.jpeg|Krummendeich: DLR wind turbine OPUS-1 DLR 07 Ferngesteuertes Geländefahrzeug SHERP CCBY4.0.jpeg|Remote-controlled off-road vehicle SHERP DLR 08 Forschung zur Digitalisierung CCBY4.0.jpeg|Aircraft manufacturing: Research on digitalisation at DLR </gallery>

== German Space Agency at DLR == === Organisation and legal basis === The ''German Space Agency at DLR'' serves as Germany's national space agency. It is based in Bonn and employs approximately 350 people.<ref>Julia Rosner: ''Lernen aus dem Weltall''. In: ''Kölnische Rundschau'', 18 May 2022, p. 26.</ref> Part of DLR, it coordinates all German space activities. The federal government has assigned DLR sovereign tasks in the field of spaceflight under the Space Affairs Delegation Act (''Raumfahrtaufgabenübertragungsgesetz''; RAÜG).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ra_g/BJNR010140990.html |title=Gesetz zur Übertragung von Verwaltungsaufgaben auf dem Gebiet der Raumfahrt (Raumfahrtaufgabenübertragungsgesetz – RAÜG) |website=Gesetze im Internet |date=1998-08-22 |access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref>

=== Key responsibilities === Central tasks of the agency include:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/german-space-agency-at-dlr |title=German Space Agency at DLR |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> * Programme planning: development and management of the national space programme and budget * International representation: representing Germany in international space organisations and managing German contributions to ESA and EUMETSAT * Consulting and strategy: advising the German Federal Government and implementing the national space strategy Management functions include:<ref name="Space-Ag">{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/ar |title=The German Space Agency at DLR |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> * Research funding: support and financing of research experiments under space conditions, such as parabolic flight campaigns * Technology transfer: promoting commercialisation, innovation and competitiveness in the space industry * Digitalisation: advancing digitalisation and the development of innovative space technologies

Societal responsibilities include:<ref name="Space-Ag" /> * Climate protection and the environment: providing data to support climate protection and environmental monitoring through space missions * Public outreach and education: informing the public and fostering interest in space, particularly among young people * Security and defence: contributing to national security, including operation of the Space Situational Awareness Centre together with the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces)

== Project management services == === Fundamental tasks === DLR operates two independent project management units with distinct service profiles and thematic priorities. === DLR Projektträger === Since 1975, ''DLR Projektträge''r has been part of DLR and acts as a service provider for the management of research, education and innovation programmes on behalf of federal and state ministries, the European Commission and other organisations. It develops strategies, manages funding programmes and projects, facilitates expert and public dialogue and supports the exploitation of knowledge.

=== Programme Management Agency for Aviation Research === Since 1994,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/pt-lf/news/news/2024/project-management-organisation-for-aeronautics-research-celebrates-its-30th-anniversary |title=Project Management Organisation for Aeronautics Research celebrates its 30th anniversary |website=dlr.de |date=2024-11-18 |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> the Programme Management Agency for Aviation Research has been a distinct organisational unit of DLR. It acts as the central service institution for aeronautics research in Germany.<ref name="PTLFÜU">{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/pt-lf/about-us/the-programme-management-agency-for-aviation-research|title=The Programme Management Agency for Aviation Research |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> The agency supports the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (''Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie''; BMWE) in implementing the LuFo Climate federal civil aviation research programme (''Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm des Bundes''; LuFo Klima).<ref name="PTLFÜU" /> As the national contact point for aeronautics research within the EU Framework Programme,<ref>{{cite web |author= |title=Projektträger in der Forschungsförderung |url=https://www.foerderinfo.bund.de/foerderinfo/de/beratung/projekttraeger/projekttraeger_node.html |website=foerderinfo.bund.de/ |publisher=Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space |access-date=2026-04-10}}</ref> the Programme Management Agency for Aeronautics Research coordinates collaboration with European partners and programmes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/pt-lf/funding-programmes/european-level/horizon-europe |title=Horizon Europe |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

== Research aircraft == DLR operates Europe's largest research aircraft fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/nfl/forschungsflugzeuge-1 |title=Forschungsluftfahrzeuge |website=tu-braunschweig.de |publisher=Technische Universität Braunschweig |access-date=16 July 2025}}</ref>

=== Overview === {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Crewed DLR research fleet (2025)<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Eine stattliche Flotte. Ein Überblick über die DLR-Forschungsflugzeuge |journal=DLRmagazin |issue=169 |publisher=Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) |location=Köln |date=December 2021 |pages=26–27 |url=https://www.dlr.de/content/de/downloads/publikationen/magazin/2021_dlrmagazin-169-bahn-digital.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/research-and-transfer/research-infrastructure/research-aircraft-fleet/uplift-dornier-328-100 |title=UpLift Dornier 328-100: D-CUPL |website=dlr.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref> ! Registration ! Type ! Start year ! Research focus and application |- | D-HFHS || EC 135 (helicopter) || 2002 || Sensor systems, actuators, assistance systems, training |- | D-HDDP || BO 105 CB (helicopter) || 1974 || Traffic monitoring, disaster relief, aerodynamics, noise reduction |- | D-FDLR || Cessna 208B Grand Caravan || 1998 || 'Flying lecture hall', air quality, aerial imaging |- | D-CUPL || Dornier 328-120 || 2023 || Environmentally compatible systems, fuels and propulsion technologies |- | D-CODE || Dornier DO 228-101 || 1986 || Autonomous systems, noise reduction |- | D-CMET || Dassault Falcon 20E-5 || 1976 || Environmental and climate research, emissions measurement |- | D-CFFU || Dornier DO 228-212 || 1991 || Radar systems, hyperspectral sensing, aerial imaging |- | D-CEFD || Dornier DO 228-202k || 2021 || Electric propulsion and fuel cell technology |- | D-BDLR || Dassault Falcon 2000LX || 2020 || Flight systems, automation, digitalisation |- | D-ATRA || Airbus A320-232 || 2008 || Flight guidance, fuels, aerodynamics |- | D-ADLR || Gulfstream G550 || 2009 || Atmospheric measurements |- | D-9833 || Discus-2c (glider) || 2011 || Reference aircraft, predictive maintenance |}

=== Gallery === <gallery perrow="4" style="margin:0 auto;" class="center"> DLR 10 UpLift CCBY4.0.jpeg|Dornier 328 ″UpLift″ Dassault Falcon 2000LX (cn 6, D-BDLR) 2022-06-21 Andre Gerwing Collection ID 006201.jpg|Dassault Falcon 2000LX ″ISTAR″ DLR HALO CCBY4.0.jpeg|Gulfstream G550, ″HALO″ DLR ATRA CCBY4.0.jpeg|Airbus A320-232 ″ATRA Forschungsflugzeug DO 228-212 CCBY4.0.jpg|Research aircraft DO 228-212 DLR Falcon 20E CCBY4.0.jpeg| D-CMET – Dassault Falcon 20E-5 DLR Helikopter.JPG|Helicopter EC 135 DLR BO105 CCBY4.0.jpeg|Helicopter BO 105 CB </gallery>

== Research and development activities == === Aeronautics === ==== ALICIA ==== The ALICIA project (Aviation Life Cycle and Impact Assessment) is developing a digital assessment platform to systematically and comparatively analyse the climate, environmental and economic impacts of new aircraft technologies and aviation procedures across their entire life cycle. Its aim is to provide industry and policymakers with a well-founded basis for decision-making on climate-compatible and sustainable aviation, including an interactive dashboard for scenario comparisons and simulations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.airliners.de/dlr-praesentiert-luftfahrt-forschungsprojekte-paris-air-show/81295|title=DLR präsentiert Luftfahrt-Forschungsprojekte auf Paris Air Show |date=2025-06-12 |website=airliners.de |access-date=9 April 2026}}</ref>

==== EXACT ==== The EXACT project ("Exploration of Electric Aircraft Concepts and Technologies") is one of the most comprehensive studies addressing the development of climate-friendly and economically viable aircraft concepts. It systematically compares technologies such as hydrogen, batteries and sustainable aviation fuels and aims to develop and evaluate realistic aircraft designs for deployment from 2040 onwards. The project involves up to 20 DLR institutes and numerous external partners.<ref>{{cite conference |last1=Atanasov |first1=G. |last2=Silberhorn |first2=D. |title=Exact Sustainable Aircraft Concepts Results and Comparison |url=https://www.dglr.de/publikationen/2025/630388.pdf |work=dglr.de |conference=Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2024 |publisher=German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

==== HAP-alpha ==== The HAP-alpha project is developing a solar-powered, unmanned stratospheric platform with a wingspan of 27 metres and a weight of under 140 kg. Designed as a technological demonstrator in the lower stratosphere, it is intended to perform tasks for earth observation and communications as a flexible, serviceable alternative to satellites, enabling long-duration missions with a wide variety of payloads. A first low-altitude flight is planned for 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bünte |first=Oliver |url=https://www.heise.de/news/DLR-testet-unbemanntes-hochfliegendes-Solarflugzeug-HAP-alpha-am-Boden-11111505.html |title=DLR testet unbemanntes hochfliegendes Solarflugzeug HAP-alpha am Boden |website=heise.de |publisher=Heise Group|access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

==== Emissions research ==== DLR conducts research into CO2 and noise emissions in air traffic. In addition to exploring ways to reduce carbon dioxide input into the atmosphere, DLR also researches non-CO2 emissions such as contrails, which are likewise harmful to the climate. To this end, DLR conducted a 100-flight measurement programme together with DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung and selected airlines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bmv.de/SharedDocs/DE/Anlage/LF/mantelpapier-ergebnisse-akkl.pdf?__blob=publicationFile |title=Ergebnisse des Arbeitskreises klimaneutrale Luftfahrt |website=bmv.de |publisher=Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr, Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz |date=2024-06-04 |access-date=8 October 2025}}</ref>

DLR is also involved in research into sustainable fuels – without a fossil basis – in aviation.<ref>{{Cite web |author= Christian Lechner |url=https://www.luftfahrtmagazin.de/umwelt/nachhaltigkeit-in-der-luftfahrt-saf-forschung-zur-klimareduktion-259784.html |title=Nachhaltigkeit in der Luftfahrt: SAF-Forschung zur Klimareduktion |website=Luftfahrtmagazin |date=2025-06-25 |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref>

To avoid an increase in noise pollution from air traffic despite rising traffic volumes, DLR conducts dedicated research projects on noise reduction.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/media/publications/magazines/all-digital-magazines/dlrmagazine-175/a-balancing-act |title=A balancing act|website=DLRmagazin |publisher=DLR |date=June 2024 |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

=== Space === ==== German Space Operations Center ==== [[File:Raumfahrt-Kontrollzentrum 9900.jpg|thumb|German Space Operations Center in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich]] The German Space Operations Center (GSOC) of DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen has been conducting spaceflight missions with a wide range of applications since 1969 – from commanding earth observation satellites to operating the Columbus module on the International Space Station. In addition, the "Human Exploration Control Center" (HECC) is being developed at GSOC to support European crewed missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.welt.de/regionales/bayern/article256348862/Soeder-Bayern-verdoppelt-Zuschuss-fuer-Mondkontrollzentrum.html |title=Söder: Bayern verdoppelt Zuschuss für Mondkontrollzentrum |website=Die Welt |date=2025-07-04 |access-date=8 October 2025}}</ref>

DLR joined the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters in 2010. The Center for Satellite-Based Crisis Information (ZKI) provides satellite imagery from its earth observation satellites for disaster coordination – including in the case of tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires and other natural disasters.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ralph-Mirko Richter |url=https://www.raumfahrer.net/dlr-wird-mitglied-der-charta-fuer-katastrophenhilfe/ |title=DLR wird Mitglied der Charta für Katastrophenhilfe |website=raumfahrer.net |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref>

==== TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X ==== The Earth observation satellite TerraSAR-X entered service in 2008. The mission's aim is to supply users in research and industry with radar-based remote sensing data. The satellite can image the earth's surface in areas of 10 to 100 km with a resolution of up to 16 m. Since the launch of the twin satellite TanDEM-X in 2010, both have been orbiting the Earth in close formation, providing data for high-resolution digital elevation models of land structures. The radar images serve diverse applications, including topographic mapping, defence and security applications, crisis response planning and environmental monitoring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graf |first=Pauline |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/starnberg/oberpfaffenhofen-satellit-umweltschutz-weltall-terrasar-x-dlr-klima-1.5605934 |title=Der Methusalem unter den Satelliten |website=Süddeutsche Zeitung |date=2022-06-21 |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref>

==== Research under space conditions ==== In February 2008, the Columbus laboratory, Europe's central contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), was launched and docked to the ISS. The cylindrical module, with a diameter of 4.5 m, is equipped with modern research facilities,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.esa.int/Space_in_Member_States/Germany/Columbus_Europas_Forschungszentrale_auf_der_ISS |title=Columbus: Europas Forschungszentrale auf der ISS |website=esa.int |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref> including a biology laboratory, a facility for fluid investigations and experimental units for materials science. Hundreds of experiments have already been conducted, serving research in materials sciences, medicine, biology and physics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lorenzen |first=Dirk |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/das-forschungslabor-der-iss-columbus-im-weltall-100.html |title=Columbus im Weltall |website=Deutschlandfunk |date=2018-02-07 |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref> DLR operates the Columbus Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen on behalf of ESA and is responsible for coordinating research activities as well as system operations and life support aboard the Columbus laboratory in orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.esa.int/Space_in_Member_States/Germany/Columbus-Kontrollzentrum_Oberpfaffenhofen_Deutschland |title=Columbus Control Centre, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany |website=esa.int |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref>

==== Robotics ==== DLR develops robots at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics intended to help humans interact more effectively and safely with their environment. Research spans system analysis and design, mechanical construction, electronics development, control engineering and dynamic simulation. In the field of space robotics, DLR develops robotic systems particularly for the exploration of distant celestial bodies that are inaccessible to humans due to distance or hostile conditions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aerospace-and-defence.com/iss-based-astronaut-controls-robot-team-in-final-phase-of-esas-surface-avatar-experiment-a-c74fb97da2ad3bcd790a51b01b3e3c03/ |title=ISS-Based Astronaut Controls Robot Team in Final Phase of ESA's Surface Avatar Experiment |website=aerospace-and-defence.com |date=2025-08-11 |access-date=8 October 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==== HRSC on Mars Express ==== The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) is Germany's most important contribution to the Mars Express mission of the European Space Agency ESA. Originally developed for Mars 96 at DLR's Institute of Planetary Research, the camera images the Martian surface at resolutions of 10 to 30 m and enables three-dimensional analysis.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Neukum |first1=G. |last2=Jaumann |first2=R. |title=HRSC: the High Resolution Stereo Camera of Mars Express |url=https://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/pdf/2004ESASP1240...17N |year=2004 |language=en}}</ref>

==== Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) ==== The launch of the Japanese spacecraft Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) is planned for 2026. It will orbit Phobos and Deimos and bring back samples from Phobos for the first time. The mission aims to clarify the origin of the Martian moons. Led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), DLR is collaborating with a number of international partners. The mission is scheduled to last until 2031.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/mmx |title=MMX, Japan's Martian Moons eXploration mission |website=planetary.org |access-date=12 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==== Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) ==== JUICE is ESA's current flagship mission to Jupiter and its three largest ice-covered moons: Ganymede, Europa and Callisto. The orbiter was launched on 14 April 2023 and is expected to reach the Jupiter system in 2031. The mission's goal is to investigate the internal structure, oceans and potential habitability of these moons, and to gather evidence of subsurface oceans and their geodynamics. DLR is a project partner, contributing measuring instruments, a specialised camera and data analysis.<ref>{{Cite web |author=European Space Agency |url=https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice/Juice_factsheet |title=Juice factsheet |website=esa.int |access-date=12 August 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.raumfahrer.net/die-raumsonde-juice-auf-ihrem-weg-zum-europaeischen-weltraumbahnhof/ |title=Die Raumsonde JUICE auf ihrem Weg zum europäischen Weltraumbahnhof |website=websiteaumfahrer.net |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

==== Artemis II ==== Artemis II was the first crewed lunar fly-by mission of NASA’s Artemis program and was completed in April 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roulette |first1=Joey |last2=Gorman |first2=Steve |date=2026-04-10 |title=Artemis II astronauts safely back on Earth after historic trip around moon |url=https://www.reuters.com/science/artemis-ii-astronauts-hurtle-home-moon-toward-splashdown-2026-04-10/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-04-30}}</ref> The crew flew around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft and returned safely to Earth after about ten days. During the mission, Orion’s life-support and other critical systems were tested under real spaceflight conditions with astronauts on board for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wall |first=Mike |date=2026-04-11 |title=Splashdown! Artemis 2 astronauts return to Earth after historic NASA mission to the moon |url=https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/artemis-2-astronauts-return-to-earth-ending-historic-moon-mission |work=space.com|access-date=2026-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Artemis II: Return to the Moon |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOEc4oAguoM |work=BBC News |access-date=2026-04-30}}</ref> The mission provided experience for future crewed lunar missions and planned lunar landings.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Pallab |last2=Brosnan |first2=Greg |last3=Stallard|first3=Esme |date=2026-04-02 |title=High above Earth, Artemis II crew prepare to thrust on to the Moon |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c75kr702z75o |work=bbc.com |access-date=2026-04-30}}</ref> DLR contributed radiation detectors.<ref>{{cite press release |last=Dodson |first=Gerelle Q. |date=2025-06-17 |title=NASA, German Aerospace Center to Expand Artemis Campaign Cooperation |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-german-aerospace-center-to-expand-artemis-campaign-cooperation/ |access-date=2026-04-30}}</ref> Artemis II also carried the small satellite TACHELES,<ref>{{cite press release |date=2026-04-08 |title=Artemis-Mission: Berliner Satellit erfolgreich im All ausgesetzt |language=DE |url=https://www.tu.berlin/news/detail/artemis-mission-berliner-satellit-erfolgreich-im-all-ausgesetzt |location= |publisher=Technische Universität Berlin |access-date=2026-04-30}}</ref> which tested electronic components for a future lunar rover on its journey toward the Moon.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=2026-04-02 |title=Berlin satellite goes to space |url=https://www.the-berliner.com/english-news-berlin/berlin-satellite-goes-to-space/ |website=the-berliner.com |access-date=2026-04-30}}</ref>

=== Energy === ==== Wind energy ==== At Krummendeich, DLR is developing the Wind Energy Research Park (WiValdi) together with research partners, testing new technologies and rotor blades under real conditions. The aim is to develop efficient wind turbines that are climate-compatible and sustainable.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.iwr.de/news/innovativer-forschungsansatz-dlr-untersucht-nachlauf-an-windturbinen-mit-drohnenschwarm-news39231 |title=Innovativer Forschungsansatz: DLR untersucht Nachlauf an Windturbinen mit Drohnenschwarm |website=iwr.de |date=2025-07-15 |access-date=21 July 2025}}</ref>

==== Solar energy ==== In 2007, the world's first commercially operated solar tower power plant, the PS10, went into operation near Sanlúcar la Mayor (Spain). DLR was involved in the technology development for this type of power plant.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/2007/20070405_erstes-solarturmkraftwerk-geht-ans-netz_8384/@@download/file/20070405_erstes-solarturmkraftwerk-geht-ans-netz_8384.pdf |title=Erstes Solarturmkraftwerk geht ans Netz |website=dlr.de |format=PDF |date=2007-04-05 |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref>

The Jülich solar tower power plant, in operation since 2008, concentrates the light of more than 2,000 computer-controlled mirrors (heliostats), generating air heated to up to 700 °C. Research focuses on the further development and testing of receivers, storage technologies and processes for the energy transition, including the production of climate-neutral fuels (e.g. hydrogen, synthetic kerosene) and high-temperature industrial processes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.energieforschung.de/de/aktuelles/news/2022/solar-produzierter-treibstoff-made-in-juelich |title=Solar produzierter Treibstoff „Made in Jülich" |website=energieforschung.de |publisher=Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie |date=2024-11-13 |access-date=12 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/sf/research-and-transfer/research-infrastructure/julich-solar-towers |title=Solar Towers Jülich |website=dlr.de |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

DLR uses test facilities at sites in Cologne, Stuttgart and Jülich for its own research, as well as the Plataforma Solar de Almería, the European test centre for concentrating solar technologies operated by the Spanish research organisation CIEMAT.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Richter |first1=Christoph |last2=Martinez |first2=Diego |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/Portaldata/1/Resources/kommunikation/publikationen/109_nachrichten/dlr-nari109_en_22-27.pdf|title=Plataforma Solar de Almería |website=DLR-Nachrichten 109 |language=en |access-date=8 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904074329/https://www.dlr.de/en/Portaldata/1/Resources/kommunikation/publikationen/109_nachrichten/dlr-nari109_en_22-27.pdf |archive-date=2016-09-04}}</ref>

==== Power to Liquid (TPP Leuna) ==== In Leuna, Europe's largest research and demonstration plant for the production of electricity-based, synthetic fuels (power-to-liquid; PtL) is currently being built. DLR is constructing the "Technology Platform for Power-to-Liquid Fuels" (TPP), which can produce up to 2,500 tonnes of CO₂-neutral aviation fuel and other e-fuels per year. The aim is the industrial scaling and optimisation of processes for the production of synthetic kerosene and other e-fuels from renewable electricity, CO₂ and hydrogen.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.infraleuna.de/home |title=Chemical site Leuna – THE location for sustainable chemistry |publisher=Infraleuna GmbH|access-date=2026-04-09 }}</ref>

==== Hydrogen ==== As part of its wide-ranging hydrogen research, DLR also investigates the possibilities and conditions for converting the world's aircraft fleet to hydrogen propulsion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hartbrich |first=Iestyn |date=2023-09-18 |title=DLR-Studie: Wasserstoff auch für die Langstrecke eine Option |url=https://www.vdi-nachrichten.com/technik/mobilitaet/dlr-studie-wasserstoff-auch-fuer-die-langstrecke-eine-option/ |website=www.vdi-nachrichten.com |language=de |publisher=Verein Deutscher Ingenieure |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref> DLR scientists have worked on hydrosol projects, through which it was first possible to thermally split water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy, without CO₂ emissions. For this, the team was awarded the Descartes Prize of the European Commission for research in 2007, together with other working groups.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.solarserver.de/2008/11/25/dlr-wissenschaftler-produzieren-erstmals-solar-wasserstoff-in-100-kilowatt-pilotanlage/ |title=DLR-Wissenschaftler produzieren erstmals Solar-Wasserstoff in 100-Kilowatt-Pilotanlage |website=solarserver.de |date=2008-11-25 |access-date=17 July 2025}}</ref>

=== Transport === ==== Transport systems ==== The DLR MovingLab is a data collection system for transport research that automatically records mobility data via smartphone apps and sensors. The platform enables longitudinal studies on journeys, modes of transport used and their combination<ref>''Stadt befragt Bürger zur Mobilität''. In: ''Neue Ruhr/Rhein Zeitung'' (Wesel), 29 October 2025, p. 16.</ref> – going beyond the capabilities of traditional surveys. It provides well-founded data on real mobility behaviour in order to analyse new mobility concepts, public offerings (carsharing, autonomous driving) and their social use in detail.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dlr.de/en/site/movinglab |title=DLR Moving Lab |website=dlr.de |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

==== Road transport ==== The DLR Next Generation Car (NGC) family bundles research on the development of future road vehicles. Focus areas include new mobility concepts, lightweight construction, digitalisation, automated driving and climate-friendly propulsion technologies – in particular electric mobility, hydrogen and hybrid systems. The NGC family encompasses various vehicle types, including the autonomous, driverless, electric U-Shift vehicle concept, the Safe Light Regional Vehicle (SLRV) for regional mobility, the Urban Modular Vehicle (UMV) for urban areas and the Interurban Vehicle for longer distances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dlr.de/en/fk/research-and-transfer/projects/global-projects/next-generation-car |title=Next Generation Car |website=dlr.de |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

==== Rail transport ==== The Next Generation Train project at DLR, running since 2007, is a comprehensive research programme for the development of novel trains. Areas of focus include lightweight construction, energy savings, noise reduction, drive modularity, passenger comfort, the design and optimisation of life cycles and improved accident prevention. The concept addresses new high-speed trains with speeds of up to 400 km/h, regional feeder trains and freight trains.<ref>{{cite web |last=Winter |first=Joachim |date=2019-03-01 |title=Next Generation Train – 20 Jahre Forschung für die Eisenbahn |url=https://elib.dlr.de/215506/1/Eurail_ETR_2019_003_ETR_003_19_17-21.pdf |language=de |magazine=Eisenbahntechnische Rundschau |access-date=2026-04-09}}</ref>

== Further reading == * {{Cite book |last=Reinke |first=Niklas |title=Geschichte der deutschen Raumfahrtpolitik. Konzepte, Einflussfaktoren und Interdependenzen 1923–2002 |series=Schriften des Forschungsinstituts der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Auswärtige Politik e. V., Berlin. Internationale Politik und Wirtschaft, Bd. 71 |publisher=Oldenbourg |location=München |year=2004 |isbn=3-486-56842-6}} * {{Cite book |author=Helmuth Trischler |title=Luft- und Raumfahrtforschung in Deutschland 1900–1970. Politische Geschichte einer Wissenschaft |series=Studien zur Geschichte der deutschen Großforschungseinrichtungen, Bd. 4 |publisher=Campus |location=Frankfurt/New York |year=1992 |isbn=978-3-593-34586-4}}

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== External links == {{Commons category|Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt}} * [https://www.dlr.de/en/ Official website of the German Aerospace Center] * [https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/about-us/history-of-dlr History of DLR] * [https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/locations-and-offices DLR sites and offices] * {{DNB portal|5253469-8|name=DLR}}

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