Institut für Raumfahrtsysteme, TU Braunschweig

The Institute of Aerospace Sytems is concerned with orbital mechanics, space debris modeling and space technology.

The Institute has four workgroups:
The aim of the Space Debris workgroup is to support sustainable space flight. Basis for all activities is the knowledge and application of general and higher orbital mechanics. The main research consists of the orbital dynamics of all objects on Earth orbits (space debris), orbit survey and orbit prediction, especially for light satellites and the re-entry of hazardous objects. The Space Debris workgroup belongs to the leading experts in the field of Space Debris modelling.
The workgroup Satellite Technology deals with the orbit and attitude control of spacecraft, the docking with non-cooperative targets, the development, testing and operation of small satellites and the development of novel docking mechanisms. For the practical testing and validating some new infrastructure is being established: a satellite integration room, a ground station, a robotic arm and an air-bearing table.
The workgroup New Systems and Technologies studies manned and unmanned exploration of space beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Current focus is on the development of key technologies to support the construction of a future international lunar base and the utilization of space near the Moon. The activities are integrated into the work of the institute`s other groups and into national and international research projects. That participation allows to take part in the creation of the global space exploration roadmap and the identification of state-of-the art research topics.
The last workgroup is the workgroup of Culture and Spaceflight. It explores the history of the ideas of space and spaceflight. In this context the Science Fiction of the 17th and 20th centuries, the space pioneers of the Weimar Republic, Kant's aesthetics of the sublime and some other topics are discussed. In addition ethical concepts relating to space are explored.