Current Projects

In the AITHER project, a miniaturized onboard data processing unit based on COTS is to be developed, primarily for future computing-intensive applications in the field of artificial intelligence. The onboard architecture should be able to take on both very reliable and very computationally intensive tasks. The design is to be optimized specifically for use in small satellites with a mass of 10 to 100 kg (nano and micro satellites).

The research goals of the project consist primarily in the implementation of an innovative attitude control system for picosatellites and its experimental technical testing under space conditions. The reaction wheels (microwheels) already verified in the Microwheels II project are used as actuators.

BEESAT-3 (Berlin Experimental and Educational SATellite 3) is a CubeSat developed as part of an initiative funded by the German Aerospace Center. The primary objective of the BEESAT-3 mission is the practical training of students at the Aerospace Institute of the Technical University of Berlin. A secondary mission goal is the verification of the S-band transmitter HISPICO (Highly Integrated S-band link for PICO and nano satellites) in orbit.

This mission, funded by DLR, builds on the experience gained with the BEESAT-1 and BEESAT-2 satellites. One goal of the mission is to implement and verify in orbit a precise position and orbit determination package. For this purpose, DLR's Phoenix GPS receiver is integrated into the satellite.

Essential functions of distributed systems are the communication between the satellites and the relative navigation to each other. A swarm mission consisting of the four 0.25U CubeSats BEESAT-5 to BEESAT-8 is currently being developed at the TU Berlin. These picosatellites each have a mass of about 375 grams. They are completely redundant and largely tolerant of single failures.

Under the name BEESAT-9, the engineering model of BEESAT-4 was modified and prepared for use in space. The primary mission objective is to implement and verify in orbit a precise position and orbit determination package. The GNSS receiver GNSS200 from Hyperion Technologies is used for this purpose.

The aim of the CAREER project is to set up and put into operation a robotic test environment for the practical research of RVD maneuvers. The core of the test environment consists of two robotic arms that will simulate the relative movements of two satellites.

In the EDAM-R project, additive manufacturing with molten lunar regolith in a vacuum is being investigated. The key element of the project is a high-temperature print head in which the lunar regolith is heated above its liquidus temperature (>1300 °C) in a vacuum and thus melted.

The InnoCubE project is a satellite project in cooperation with the Technical University of Berlin and the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg. The aim of the project is the technological demonstration of two innovative technologies using a small satellite, a CubeSat in the 3U+ format.

In the LEGUM project, the additive manufacturing of lunar regolith using laser powder bed fusion under vacuum and lunar gravity is being investigated. In cooperation with the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., a test stand is being developed that consists at its core of a vacuum chamber with a powder bed and a laser that is directed at the powder bed via a scanner.

Together with the Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH), we investigated the properties of 1D and 2D lasered structures made of regolith simulant (artificial moon dust).

Scientists are bringing 3D printing to the moon as part of the MOONRISE project. The aim is to research how we can use lasers to create landing pads, roads or buildings from lunar dust, also known as regolith.

The NanoFF project follows on seamlessly from the NanoFF-DeKon phase B study and is a project funded by the German Aerospace Center. A 2U CubeSat with a propulsion system is to be developed. After the successful qualification of the satellite, two flight models are to be launched into a sun-synchronous orbit in order to carry out formation flight maneuvers there. The primary mission objective is to fly a helix orbit.

In the QUEEN joint project, the Technical University of Berlin (TUB) and the Ferdinand Braun Institute, Leibniz Institute for High Frequency Technology (FBH) are investigating the applicability of optical quantum technologies on nanosatellites. The central subject is micro-integrated diode lasers and electro-optical components as part of an optical frequency reference unit as well as the satellite platform, which provides the necessary infrastructure for these payload elements in space.

With QUICK³ (QUantum photonIsChe Komponenten für sichere Kommunikation mit Kleinsatelliten), we are developing a single photon source based on a fluorescent defect in the 2D material hexagonal boron nitride and evaluating its functionality in space on a 3U CubeSat. The photon source is also coupled with a quantum interferometer, which we can use to test advanced quantum theories in micro gravity. In the long term, we are also examining hybrid systems in which we couple the quantum light source with quantum memories.

The protection of system-critical infrastructure (KRITIS) is of great importance against the background of technological progress and the associated digitization of entire economic sectors and the networking of international economies. The RACCOON system (Robust And secure post quantum COmmunication for critical iNfrastructure) proposed is intended to enable global transmission of security keys via a secure and robust communication system suitable for use on small satellites.

RAGGA builds on the DLR project REGGAE, in which gecko materials have already been tested on the ISS. In REGGAE, the target was levitating, but not tumbling. The goal of RAGGA is to develop a solution concept for ADR and to demonstrate this step by step.

The research project SALSAT (Spectrum AnaLysis SATellite) developed, launched, and operates a nanosatellite with a payload for spectrum analysis in orbit.

S-NET OPS builds on the successful implementation of the S-NET mission and extends satellite operation for long-term analyses. The main work includes mission operation and mission planning, the scientific evaluation of the telemetry and status data from the payloads and the subsystems and the upgrading of the ground station.

Local production of the solar cells on the moon from locally available raw materials (In-situ Resource Utilization, ISRU) would mean significant savings in transport costs (currently around 1 M€ /kg). Existing concepts for implementing this idea are based on the use of processes established on Earth that require the transport of extensive systems and consumables.

TUBIN (Technische Universität Berlin Infrared Nanosatellite) is a university satellite mission with the objective to demonstrate novel Earth remote sensing technologies for nanosatellites. Since power and size limitations prove prohibitive to accommodating cooled HgCdTe infrared detectors on a nanosatellite, TUBIN carries two uncooled microbolometer imagers. In addition, a third imager with sensitivity in the visible spectrum complements the infrared payload.

Within the coopration project XLink a novel satellite transceiver for communication in the X band (8 GHz) is developed by Technische Universität Berlin and the IQ wireless GmbH.