Formed through the merger of the DLR Institutes of Optical Sensor Systems and Planetary Research, the new entity aims to enhance DLR's research capacity, supporting missions that range from planetary exploration to Earth monitoring and security applications. "With the new Institute of Space Research, we want to build on our achievements and fully harness existing expertise to further strengthen and develop DLR's site in Berlin-Adlershof," said Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board. "With approximately 300 employees, the institute covers the full spectrum of research, from initial concept to design, construction, and verification of instruments, through to operational deployment and data analysis. This comprehensive approach enables the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and fosters collaboration with universities, industry, and public institutions."
Heinz-Wilhelm Hubers, the newly appointed director of the institute, emphasized its role as a vital partner for academia, industry, and public authorities. "We play a leading role in national and international space missions, helping to shape them and address critical societal challenges such as climate change and security," he said. The institute actively supports Germany's Space Strategy and contributes to the science and exploration programs of major space agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The institute's work spans a broad range of scientific disciplines, including the development of cameras, spectrometers, radiometers, and laser altimeters. These instruments, which cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet to terahertz radiation, are deployed on more than 20 national and international space missions. Notable projects include ESA's BepiColombo mission to Mercury, the JUICE mission to Jupiter, and the forthcoming PLATO space telescope, set for launch in late 2026. The institute also leads the science consortium for the PLATO mission, under the continued leadership of Heike Rauer, who will also serve as an advisor to the DLR Executive Board on ESA-related matters.
The institute's research also extends to the study of planetary systems beyond Earth, including the search for habitable environments in our Solar System and beyond. This work is supported by advanced numerical modeling, laboratory studies, and the analysis of planetary analogs found on Earth, providing critical insights into the formation and evolution of planets, moons, and asteroids.
In addition to its scientific research, the institute plays a significant role in supporting civil protection and disaster relief. Its high-resolution optical instruments are used in security research and operational missions, providing critical situational awareness for public authorities and emergency responders.
The institute's contributions to understanding Earth's complex environmental systems are equally significant, offering valuable data for monitoring climate change and promoting sustainable resource management.
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