Lampoldshausen strengthens Europe’s access to space
Europe’s path to space begins in Lampoldshausen. At the Institute of Space Propulsion, we lay the foundations for powerful and reliable launch systems – and with them, Europe’s independent access to space.
Space is today a central component of critical infrastructure: supporting communications, navigation and Earth observation, while also becoming increasingly important for European security. In Lampoldshausen, engines and components are tested under realistic conditions – from individual parts to complete rocket stages, including those for the Ariane 6 European launch vehicle.
The test infrastructure, unique in Europe, combines state-of-the-art test benches with comprehensive research expertise. Engines are tested under conditions that closely replicate their operational environment – a crucial factor in ensuring their performance and reliability. At the same time, topics such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence and new, less toxic propellant combinations are driving the work forward. Our aim is to systematically bring together performance, efficiency and sustainability.
Alongside established companies in the space sector, our Lampoldshausen site is a key hub for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups: they make use of our infrastructure, expertise and the close integration of development and testing to efficiently develop new technologies and bring them into application quickly.
Link:
German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR)
Institute of Space Propulsion
E-Mail contact-dlr@DLR.de
