Human Spaceflight and Exploration

Institute of Space Systems

The research department of human spaceflight and exploration is lead by Prof. Claas Olthoff.

The human spaceflight and exploration group is being established following the appointment of Prof. Claas Olthoff in February 2024. Current information about the group's activities will be added here shortly. 

Areas of Research

Content will be added shortly.

Content will be added shortly.

The Soyuz Simulator is a simplified but life-sized replica of the Soyuz spacecrafts descent module, which enables students to learn fly and operate a complex spacecraft in a typical mission scenario, like docking to the International Space Station (ISS). The movements of the spacecraft in orbit are realistically represented in six degrees of freedom.

Technical Data

Basic Data: Diameter: 2.3 m, Height: 2.0 m
Core Software: Orbiter Space Flight Simulator by Dr. Martin Schweiger; IRS-specific software for controlling the hardware & simulating the Soyuz capsule
Hardware: Realistic capsule with 3 seats, 2 multifunctional displays, and 2 control sticks with additional controls and a monitor for displaying the simulated environment
Ground station with 6 monitors and 4 PCs for monitoring and controlling the simulation
Communication system via headsets based on TeamSpeak
System for monitoring and regulating the 'cabin atmosphere' in the capsule

A variant of the original system has been used in the Antarctic stations Concordia and Halley to examine the piloting skills of crew members in isolation. With the latest system, using Virtual Reality, long-term isolation experiments (8 months) were conducted in collaboration with IMBP in Moscow.

Contact:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claas Olthoff

Space Station Design Workshop

The Space Station Design Workshop (SSDW) is a one-week teaching & working seminar. The participants learn and practice Systems Engineering and the concept design of manned space systems in two competitive teams.

Who?

  • Students and young professionals from all disciplines and all nationalities!

What?

  • Design a crewed space system and mission in a hands-on workshop environment
  • Experience systems engineering, project management and team organization
  • Use advanced concurrent design methodology and customized software tools
  • Be part of an international and interdisciplinary team

What do you need?

  • English language skills
  • Interest in human spaceflight
  • Ability to work and communicate in an international multidisciplinary team

The workshop itself is free of charge thanks to our sponsors and supporters!

More Information and to the registration

Contact

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