Uniting Europe: DLR Spearheads Responsive Satellite Deployment Network

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 14 July 2023 05:14

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Berlin, Germany (SPX) Jul 14, 2023

The rapidly expanding realm of information technology is ever-dependent on unobstructed access to space-based data and communication networks, bringing the need for technical mechanisms that can safeguard, repair, reinforce, or develop essential space infrastructures to the forefront. Ensuring new satellites can be placed and activated in orbit within a matter of hours or days is of prime

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Uniting Europe: DLR Spearheads Responsive Satellite Deployment Network
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Jul 14, 2023

The rapidly expanding realm of information technology is ever-dependent on unobstructed access to space-based data and communication networks, bringing the need for technical mechanisms that can safeguard, repair, reinforce, or develop essential space infrastructures to the forefront.

Ensuring new satellites can be placed and activated in orbit within a matter of hours or days is of prime importance. This level of agility and responsiveness, referred to as 'Responsive Space Capability' in the global military context, has become an area of significant focus in the realm of space technology.

At the forefront of this initiative is the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), which is taking a lead role in uniting 39 institutions and companies across 13 European Union states and Norway. Together, they are working towards building a robust and scalable network for the responsive deployment of satellites.

Dubbed the Responsive European Architecture for Space (REACTS), this project has secured funding of approximately 19 million euros from the European Commission. It combines the expertise and resources of not only DLR's institutes and facilities, but also a diverse array of European institutions and companies.

Among the key participants in this endeavor is the DLR Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center (RSC3), situated at DLR's Trauen site. Established with a focus on developing the necessary technology base pertinent to Responsive Space, the RSC3 is integral to technology demonstrations and further advancements. It delves into various facets of space, ground, launch, and mission segments, always aiming to enhance their technologies.

The RSC3 collaborates extensively with DLR institutes, facilities, end-users, and industry members to ensure a comprehensive approach to technology development. A recent highlight was the National Symposium on Responsive Space hosted by the RSC3 at DLR. This symposium served as a platform for over 100 participants to engage in insightful discussions on Responsive Space, while also acquainting them with current projects.

DLR's focus on security and defense research is worth noting, as it is paramount to the needs and challenges of our interconnected global society and economy. The DLR's security program amalgamates research and development activities across aeronautics, space, energy, and transport. These activities, all of which bear relevance to defense and security, are effectively planned and managed in coordination with partners in government, scientific research, and industry.

In an era where seamless access to space-based information and communication channels is crucial, the efforts of DLR, along with its European partners, in spearheading the REACTS project can be seen as a step towards ensuring the resilience and scalability of our space-based infrastructures.