Cooperation with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR)

We are looking for different cooperation partners within the framework of the ongoing LRT project "BayernSat". The demonstration of telepresence connection in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) is the main goal of this project.

We are closely cooperating with the Institute for Robotics and Mechatronics of the DLR (German Aerospace Centre) in Oberpfaffenhofen. This institute develops robot systems under Prof. Hirzinger. Together with the communication module developed by the LRT, these systems enable on-orbit-servicing (e.g. service of satellites) in space.

Cooperation with EADS Astrium

New astronautic computer technologies are developed in cooperation with EADS Astrium (ASE4 - CoC Electronics Germany). Some of these technologies are to be tested with BayernSat. Current lines of research are:

The high-performance processor unit (HPE), which is an initiative of the Bavarian industry in order to improve the availability of innovative high-performance computer components suitable for astronautics.

One module of the HPE is the co-processor core. It is based on a reconfigurable parallel processor architecture suitable as a co-processor for processing extremely computer-bound blocks of algorithms. The video processing unit of BayernSat is being developed within a doctoral thesis.

Contact:
Javier Cotrino, EADS Astrium; ASE 4
Javier.cotrino@astrium.eads.net

Cooperation with the Munich University of Applied Sciences (FH München)

The development of a communication module as planned for the BayernSat project of the LRT requires excellent technical knowledge and experience especially in the field of antenna construction. In cooperation with the FH München under Prof. Fasold a special antenna for the "BayernSat" project is being developed within a master thesis (ShortBackFire antenna).

ShortBackFire antenna

Cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The LRT will start its cooperation with the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the field of space systems engineering with a master thesis in June 2004. The focus will be on the aspect of modularisation of manned space systems to be able to fulfill diverse mission scenarios. The Institute of Astronautics already cooperated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the field of systems engineering. The goal is to deepen the cooperation in the future.

Cooperation with the Stanford University

Knowledge Transfer and Joint Use of Ground Stations
The Space Systems Development Laboratory (SSDL) under Prof. Bob Twiggs at the Stanford University has long experiences in the development and construction of micro- and pico-satellites (so-called cubesats). Exhaustive contacts such as mutual student exchanges make it possible to share the know-how of both institutes.
Besides the SSDL is setting up a world-wide network of university ground stations which is to be supported and used by the LRT.

Cooperation with the University of Colorado, Boulder (UCB)

The Human Spaceflight Research Group within LRT has established a growing cooperation beginning in 2007 with the Bioastronautics Group in the Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department at the University of Colorado in Boulder. The two programs share a common interest in the design of space habitats and life support systems, and have identified a complementary approach that couples computational modeling activities at TUM with related test hardware development at UCB. In addition, opportunities for student exchange and collaborative teaching practices are being pursued.

Cooperation with the SUPAERO

Development of the orbit analysis software SatOrb
Since October 2003 we have been cooperating with the CAS (Centre Aéronautique et Spatiale) of the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Aéronautique et d’Espace (SUPAERO) in Toulouse in order to develop a software tool for orbit analysis and link budget calculations. SatOrb is designed for satellite design, tracking and for university teaching. The CAS is headed by Prof. Colongo, and has long experiences in developing simulation software as well as other developments in aerospace engineering.