Round logo, central lettering MASA, simple representation of the Earth, space, space capsule, satellite and deployable sunshade. Recycling symbol and rocket with water symbol are incorporated into the lettering.

Mission and System Analysis

Institute for Space Systems

The working group Mission and System Analysis (MASA) focuses on simulation-based mission and system analyses and the model-based design of future space systems, with a particular emphasis on spaceflight within the atmosphere.

The space sector is undergoing profound change: in recent years, the number of active spacecraft and planned missions has risen sharply due to new private players, commercial mega-constellations and an increasing diversity of mission profiles. The resulting increase in the number of objects in near-Earth space presents aerospace engineers with new technical and environmental challenges and necessitates sustainable approaches to system design, operation and mission end-of-life. Amid this tension between the growing use of space and the need for sustainable spaceflight, the Mission and System Analysis working group focuses on the analysis, evaluation and optimisation of future space systems, with a particular emphasis on spaceflight in the atmosphere.

The working group focuses on carrying out simulation-based mission and system analyses and the model-based design of future space systems. The topics addressed include propellant-free concepts for the orbital control of satellites and satellite formations, the development of design strategies to reduce environmental impact, and the assessment of the ecological impact of space systems throughout their entire life cycle. The simulation tools and modelling approaches required to carry out these analyses are developed within the working group.

The complex nature of the subject matter results in a large number of areas of overlap with the other research groups based within the professorship. These complement our analyses with experimental investigations (High Enthalpy Flow Diagnostics Group (HEFDiG)), detailed calculations of gas and plasma flows (Numerical Modelling and Simulation (PICLas)) or specific system properties (Electric Space Propulsion). In addition, there is close collaboration with the group led by Prof. Smirnov regarding the physics of the upper Earth’s atmosphere.

Our aim is to lay the technological foundations for the efficient, sustainable and responsible use of near-Earth space.

Group photo: 6 people standing in a line on a staircase in front of a model of the ISS. ©
Mission and System Analysis Working Group, July 2026

Current Projects

The Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1667 ‘ATLAS – Advanced Technologies for Very Low Earth Orbit Satellites’ addresses the scientific and technical challenges involved in developing very low Earth orbits (VLEO, at altitudes of approximately 200 km to 450 km). 
Within ATLAS, we are working on a project on aerodynamic orbit control with the aim of determining optimal aerodynamic manoeuvres. To this end, we are developing a simulation tool that enables the planning of manoeuvres whilst taking into account the aerodynamic forces at play and the associated uncertainties. The tool makes it possible to identify optimal manoeuvre strategies and to evaluate the effects of different satellite designs. Particular focus is placed on aerodynamic lift – a phenomenon that has often been neglected to date – which is essential for three-dimensional orbit control.

INAGAIN - INtegrated Aerospace and Geodetic AI Network, part of the Aerospace 2050 initiative, is an integrated research network focused on the design and development of novel AI methods for application in the subject areas covered by the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy at the University of Stuttgart. Within INAGAIN, our aim is to advance the characterisation and modelling of the thermosphere based on freely available tracking data. Machine learning methods will be used to process the data.

As part of RT-Life Cycle Assessment 1 ‘Analysis of the environmental impact of space transport’ (duration 2021–2025; funded by the German Space Agency at the DLR, grant number 50RL2180), we investigated the environmental impacts of space transport systems using a life cycle analysis (LCA). To this end, data on production, launch and re-entry were collected and evaluated.

Building on this, in the RT-Ökobilanz 2 project “Impacts of space emissions in the
upper Earth atmosphere in relation to life cycle analysis” (duration 2025–2027; funded by the German Space Agency at the DLR, grant number 50RL2580), we are identifying and addressing knowledge gaps regarding the chemical interaction of space emissions with the upper atmosphere. The aim is to reduce uncertainties in the quantification of the atmospheric environmental impacts of space systems.

As part of the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network ‘SLICE - Space Launch Impact on Climate and Environment' (Duration 2026–2029) we are conducting research within the project “Analysis of a methodology for global effects of launchers on the atmosphere and environment” (DC17) to further develop the assessment methodology for launch and re-entry (emissions calculation, particle emissions, characterisation). 

Description of the Research Topics

We are investigating the effects of aerodynamic forces exerted by the residual atmosphere on satellites and how these can be systematically exploited to influence satellite orbits.

Contact:

We are working on developing concepts for existing, re-entering orbital launch vehicle stages with a view to reducing their environmental footprint. Targeted design modifications could prevent such stages from burning up, thereby avoiding the current high-emission disposal methods and also returning these objects to Earth in a recyclable condition.

Contact:

Sustainability in spaceflight must be considered holistically. We therefore analyse spaceflight systems throughout their entire life cycle — from development through to operation and re-entry — in order to systematically assess their environmental impact and optimise future technologies in terms of their sustainability. Our focus here is on calculating emissions and their impact on the upper atmosphere.

Contact:

Research

Dr.-Ing. Constantin Traub
Team Lead
Tel. +49 (0)711 685-60820
Mail: ctraub@irs.uni-stuttgart.de

Jan-Steffen Fischer, M.Sc.
Life Cycle Assessment of Space Transportation Systems
Tel. +49 (0)711 685-69628
Mail: fischerj@irs.uni-stuttgart.de

Sophie Förste, M.Sc.
Design not to Demise
Tel. +49 (0)711 685-69654
Mail: foerstes@irs.uni-stuttgart.de

Paul Jannik Haufe, M.Sc.
Aerodynamic Orbit Control
Tel. +49 (0)711 685-65861
Mail: haufep@irs.uni-stuttgart.de

Jens Neubert, M.Sc.
Life Cycle Assessment of Space Transportation Systems
Tel. +49 (0)711 685-62139
Mail: neubertj@irs.uni-stuttgart.de

Fabrizio Turco, M.Sc.
Aerodynamic Orbit Control
Tel. +49 (0)711 685-62394
Mail: turcof@irs.uni-stuttgart.de

Publications

  1. 2026

    1. 1. J. Boskovic et al., “Uncertainty Is Certain: Sources, Modeling, and Impacts of Uncertainty for VLEO Satellites,” May 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403437176_Uncertainty_Is_Certain_Sources_Modeling_and_Impacts_of_Uncertainty_for_VLEO_Satellites
    2. 2. S. Fasoulas, G. H. Herdrich, C. Traub, N. H. Crisp, and P. C. E. Roberts, “Very Low Earth Orbit Missions and Technologies,” CEAS Space Journal, vol. 18, Art. no. 3, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.1007/s12567-026-00721-3.
    3. 3. J.-S. Fischer, J. Neubert, S. Fasoulas, M. Nützel, and A. Schmidt, “Development of space transportation launch and re-entry emission inventories for 2019-2025.” Mar. 2026. doi: 10.5194/egusphere-egu26-4786.
    4. 4. J.-S. Fischer, S. Fasoulas, M. Nützel, and A. Schmidt, “Launch Emission Assessment Tool (LEAT v1.0): Part I – Development of a tool to calculate altitude-dependent rocket launch emissions for use in chemistry-climate models.” Jun. 2026. doi: 10.5194/egusphere-2026-3050.
    5. 5. J.-S. Fischer, S. Fasoulas, M. Nützel, and A. Schmidt, “Supplementary material to “Launch Emission Assessment Tool (LEAT v1.0): Part I – Development of a tool to calculate altitude-dependent rocket launch emissions for use in chemistry-climate models.”” Jun. 2026. doi: 10.5194/egusphere-2026-3050-supplement.
    6. 6. A. Schlitzer, K.-S. Ellenberger, C. Traub, S. Fasoulas, and G. Herdrich, “Overview of Ground-Based Facilities for Atomic Oxygen Material Testing,” Journal of Evolving Space Activities, vol. 4, Art. no. 262, 2026, doi: 10.57350/jesa.262.
    7. 7. C. Traub, N. H. Crisp, and B. Kent, “Insights into the dynamic behavior of an radio-frequency helicon-based plasma thruster based atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion spacecraft in very low earth orbits,” CEAS Space Journal, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.1007/s12567-026-00712-4.
    8. 8. C. Traub et al., “Preparation of a First Ever In-Orbit Demonstration of Differential Lift in INTA’s ANSER Cluster,” in International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics, Toulouse, France, Jun. 2026.
    9. 9. F. Turco, C. Traub, M. Schütte, M. Pfeiffer, and S. Fasoulas, “Assessment of the practicality of optimal aerodynamic orbit control in VLEO,” Acta Astronautica, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2026.02.039.
    10. 10. F. Turco, C. Traub, and S. Fasoulas, “Decay-optimal lift-based adjustments of the orbital plane in Very Low Earth Orbits,” Acta Astronautica, Sep. 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2026.04.025.
    11. 11. F. Turco, C. Traub, and S. Fasoulas, “Uncertainty-Aware Aerodynamic Orbit Control in Very Low Earth Orbits,” in AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Jul. 2026. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13152.03849.

  2. 2025

    1. 12. S. Fasoulas et al., “Motivation, structure and goals of the Collaborative Research Centre 1667 : Advancing Technologies of very Low-Altitude Satellites-ATLAS,” CEAS space journal, 2025, doi: 10.1007/s12567-025-00687-8.
    2. 13. J.-S. Fischer and S. Fasoulas, “Assessment of Launch and Re-Entry Emissions of Space Transportation Systems and Their Environmental Impact,” in IAF Space Transportation Solutions and Innovations Symposium : held at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024) : Milan, Italy, 14-18 October 2024, Curran Associates, Inc., 2025, pp. 756–766. doi: 10.52202/078373-0079.
    3. 14. J.-S. Fischer, S. Fasoulas, M. Nützel, and A. Schmidt, “Development and assessment of space launch and re-entry emission inventories for atmospheric modelling.” Mar. 2025. doi: 10.5194/egusphere-egu25-15071.
    4. 15. J.-S. Fischer and S. Fasoulas, “Modelling Approach of Rocket Re-Entry Emissions,” in 3rd International Conference on Flight vehicles, Aerothermodynamics and Re-entry (FAR), May 2025.
    5. 16. S. Förste, L. E. Yousfi, J.-S. Fischer, F. Turco, C. Traub, and S. Fasoulas, “A comprehensive assessment of rocket body related space debris and discussion of suitable means of risk reduction,” Acta Astronautica, May 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.01.068.
    6. 17. E. Gaglio, C. Traub, F. Turco, J. O. Murcia Piñeros, R. Bevilacqua, and S. Fasoulas, “Optimal drag-based collision avoidance: Balancing miss distance and orbital decay,” Acta Astronautica, vol. 228, pp. 295–305, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.11.052.
    7. 18. E. Gaglio et al., “Quasi-Optimal Guidance and Control in Very Low Earth Orbit via Deep Learning for Drag-Based Collision Avoidance,” Acta astronautica, vol. 235, pp. 362–374, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.05.029.
    8. 19. P. Haufe et al., “Minimum-Time Spacecraft Collision Avoidance Using Aerodynamic Lift and Drag Via Reachable Sets,” in 23rd IAA Symposium on Space Debris, Oct. 2025. doi: 10.52202/083079-0150.
    9. 20. L. Ingrillini et al., “Operationalizing differential drag control : a planning routine for the S-NET satellite formation,” CEAS space journal, 2025, doi: 10.1007/s12567-025-00630-x.
    10. 21. C. Traub, J. Neubert, and L. Ingrillini, “Corrected closed-form solutions to the Schweighart–Sedwick satellite relative motion model including differential drag,” Acta Astronautica, vol. 234, pp. 742–753, Sep. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.05.019.
    11. 22. C. Traub et al., “Revealing the impact of operational constraints on aerodynamic collision avoidance maneuvers : In-flight results from the BEESAT-4 CubeSat,” Acta astronautica, vol. 234, Art. no. September, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.04.038.
    12. 23. F. Turco, C. Traub, M. Schütte, M. Pfeiffer, and S. Fasoulas, “Assessment of the Practicality of Optimal Aerodynamic Orbit Control in VLEO,” in IAF Astrodynamics Symposium, Sep. 2025. doi: 10.52202/083087-0029.
    13. 24. F. E. G. Turco, C. Traub, and S. Fasoulas, “Optimal Satellite Orbit Control via Aerodynamic Forces in Very Low Earth Orbits,” in AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Aug. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394530650_Optimal_Satellite_Orbit_Control_via_Aerodynamic_Forces_in_Very_Low_Earth_Orbits
    14. 25. F. Tuttas, C. Traub, M. Pfeiffer, and W. Fichter, “Generalized Treatment of Energy Accommodation in Gas-Surface Interactions for Satellite Aerodynamics Applications,” Acta astronautica, vol. 236, pp. 14–19, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.06.020.

  3. 2024

    1. 26. J.-S. Fischer and S. Fasoulas, “Assessment of launch and re-entry emissions of space transportation systems and their environmental impact,” in 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Milan, Italy, Oct. 2024.
    2. 27. J.-S. Fischer, M. Udriot, K. Treyer, L. Schulz, and G. J. Dominguez Calabuig, “Recommendations for the development of space systems life cycle assessment methodology for space transportation systems,” 2024, doi: 10.5281/ZENODO.11104766.
    3. 28. E. Gaglio, C. Traub, F. E. G. Turco, J. O. Murcia-Piñeros, R. Bevilacqua, and S. Fasoulas, “Optimal spacecraft collision avoidance using aerodynamic drag,” in 4th IAA Conference on Space Situational Awareness (ICSSA), May 2024.
    4. 29. C. Marianowski, C. Traub, M. Pfeiffer, J. Beyer, and S. Fasoulas, “Satellite design optimization for differential lift and drag applications,” CEAS space journal, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s12567-024-00550-2.
    5. 30. F. Turco, C. Traub, S. Gaißer, J. C. Burgdorf, S. Klinkner, and S. Fasoulas, “Analysis of Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres Using Aerodynamic Drag for the Flying Laptop Satellite,” Aerotecnica missili & spazio, vol. 103, pp. 61–71, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s42496-023-00183-4.

  4. 2023

    1. 31. J.-S. Fischer, S. Fasoulas, C. Brun-Buisson, and E. del Olmo, “Comparison Study on the Environmental Impact of Different Launcher Architectures,” in 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Baku, Azerbaijan, 2-6 October 2023., Oct. 2023.
    2. 32. J.-S. Fischer, “Further development of LCA methodology for reusable and sustainable launchers,” in Ascension Conference, Dresden, Germany, 12-14 September 2023, Sep. 2023.
    3. 33. F. Turco, C. Traub, S. Gaißer, J. Burgdorf, S. Klinkner, and S. Fasoulas, “An analysis tool for collision avoidance manoeuvres using aerodynamic drag,” Acta astronautica, vol. 211, Art. no. October, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2023.05.038.
    4. 34. F. Turco, C. Traub, and S. Fasoulas, “Effects of solar and geomagnetic activity on aerodynamic collision avoidance manoeuvres.” Unpublished, 2023. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.17321.57442.

  5. 2022

    1. 35. J.-S. Fischer and S. Fasoulas, “Analyse der ökologischen Bilanz von Raumtransportsystemen unter Berücksichtigung des gesamten Lebenszyklus,” in Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2022, Dresden, Germany, 27-29 September 2022, Sep. 2022. doi: 10.25967/570083.
    2. 36. J.-S. Fischer, A. S. Pagan, and S. Fasoulas, “Ecological Impact of Re-Entering Launcher Structures in Comparison to Natural Sources,” in 2nd International Conference on Flight Vehicles, Aerothermodynamics and Re-entry Missions & Engineering (FAR), Heilbronn, Germany, 19-23 June 2022, Jun. 2022.
    3. 37. J.-S. Fischer and S. Fasoulas, “Review of the environmental impact of space transportation systems towards a full life cycle assessment,” in 73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Paris, France, 18-22 September 2022, Sep. 2022.
    4. 38. F. Hild, M. Pfeiffer, C. Traub, J. Beyer, and S. Fasoulas, “Results of a VLEO Satellite Design Optimisation for Drag Minimisation,” in 2nd International Conference on Flight Vehicles, Aerothermodynamics and Re-entry Missions & Engineering (FAR), Heilbronn, Germany, Jun. 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362620800_Results_of_a_VLEO_Satellite_Design_Optimisation_for_Drag_Minimisation
    5. 39. C. Traub, S. Fasoulas, and G. H. Herdrich, “A planning tool for optimal three-dimensional formation flight maneuvers of satellites in VLEO using aerodynamic lift and drag via yaw angle deviations br,” Acta astronautica, vol. 198, Art. no. September, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.04.010.
    6. 40. S. Vaidya et al., “Development and analysis of novel mission scenarios based on Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP),” CEAS space journal, vol. 14, Art. no. 4, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s12567-022-00436-1.

An overview of our publications can also be found here:

ResearchGate

Teaching

Orbital Mechanics in VLEO

As part of this lecture course, students acquire in-depth knowledge of various aspects and influencing factors relating to the orbital mechanics of satellites in low Earth orbit. They become familiar with the associated disturbances, their physical origins and the methods available for modelling them. They will be able to assess the effects of these factors on satellite orbits, particularly on the expected service life. They will be familiar with particularly suitable measures and technological approaches for extending service life or utilising interactions with the residual atmosphere to achieve specific mission objectives. Furthermore, they will be familiar with the standard methods implemented in computer programmes for orbital mechanics calculations. Students will be able to apply these methods, solve related problems and critically evaluate their solutions. In addition to the lecture, a MATLAB programming workshop is offered.

Summer term, 3 ECTS, Master

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Space Sustainability

As part of this lecture series, students develop a sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable space activities. They explore the fundamental principles of sustainability and apply them to the space sector. The three dimensions of sustainability serve as a guiding framework: 1.) sustainability on Earth, 2.) sustainability in space, and 3.) sustainability from space.

Summer and winter term, 3 ECTS, Master

The announced topics can be found here.

Please send unsolicited applications to the appropriate contact person via email, including:

  • a detailed resume,
  • a current summary of your achievements,
  • a brief statement of motivation.

 

Contact

This image showsConstantin Traub

Constantin Traub

Dr.-Ing.
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