Full-scale single-stage sounding rocket
For almost 60 years, our Mobile Rocket Base (Mobile Raketenbasis; MORABA) has been a world-leading partner for research under space conditions and in the upper atmosphere. High-altitude research rockets (or sounding rockets) – can reach altitudes of over 30 kilometres – a ‘boundary region’ where there are few opportunities to carry out direct measurements. This is precisely where our research rockets come in.
On board our sounding rockets, industry and research organisations test new technologies under space conditions – projects as varied as quantum experiments, innovative 3D printing processes and the secure, encrypted transmission of health data. Innovative materials and experiments for new approaches to cancer therapy have also flown on our rockets. For experiments under the unique conditions of microgravity, high velocity and extreme temperatures, sounding rockets offer a cost-efficient and highly capable platform.
Since 2023, many of our missions have flown using the new RED KITE rocket motor, which we developed in collaboration with the company Bayern-Chemie. Manufactured in Germany, this motor is reliable and enables independent, rapid supply. Transport, export and procurement have all been simplified, resulting in shorter lead times and greater flexibility for research and industry. At Hannover Messe, the full-scale single-stage rocket shows just how compact and powerful this platform is.
Link:
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Space Operations and Astronaut Training, Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA)
Email contact-dlr@DLR.de
Credits: ©DLR