SaTec students visit DLR Oberpfaffenhofen

The event was organized by Professor Dr. Andreas Nüchter, in collaboration with Dr. Heike Frei, the head of the
Spaceflight Technology department at DLR, and many of her colleagues. The excursion aimed to provide an insight into the cutting-edge research and technologies developed within the DLR campus, situated near Munich.

The day kicked off with a presentation on the Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS). Afterwards the participants got a firsthand look at the intricate operations carried out at the German Space Operations Center (GSOC), where control rooms manage the activity of various spacecraft, including the aforementioned Columbus module.

Moving forward, the excursion delved into the heart of space exploration technology with a visit to the European Proximity Operations Simulator (EPOS). Within the GSOC building, EPOS boasts state-of-the-art facilities, featuring two robot arms that serve as a hardware-in-the-loop platform. Here, students witnessed how these robotic arms are instrumental in testing rendezvous and docking procedures for spacecraft.

The journey continued with a visit of the Robotics and Mechatronics division, where students gained insights into the development and application of robotic systems. The tour provided a unique opportunity for the students to interact with professionals and experts within this interesting technological field.

As the day unfolded, the group visited the Earth Observation Center, home to the Deutsches  Fernerkundungsdatenzentrum (DFD). Here, students were exposed to the fascinating world of earth observation and data analysis, showcasing the pivotal role DLR plays in monitoring our planet from space.

The excursion culminated with an exploration of Flight Experiments. Standing in the hangar and witnessing the modified research planes offered a glimpse into the innovative experiments and research initiatives conducted in the pursuit of atmospheric research supported by the DLR.

In the spirit of connectivity and sharing knowledge, the visit to DLR Oberpfaffenhofen was an invaluable experience for the students, fostering a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of satellite technology and space exploration.