Headquartered in Cologne, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is Germany’s national aeronautics and space research and technology centre. Its 12,000 employees across 51 institutes and facilities conduct R&D in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, digitalisation, security and defence. DLR operates extensive research infrastructure including aircraft, wind tunnels, propulsion test facilities and space operations systems, supporting fundamental and applied research, technology transfer and industrial collaboration. Present at 30 locations across Germany and with international offices, DLR develops technologies spanning sustainable aviation, Earth observation, robotics, AI, quantum technologies, renewable energy and future mobility.
The A4CLIMATE project, led by DLR, is testing flight routing, modern engines, and fuels to avoid contrails, which have a climate impact comparable to aviation's total CO₂ emissions.
The data will be used to validate and improve the aircraft's simulation model, to enable faster and more cost-effective modifications for testing promising climate-compatible technologies.
DLR's new METimage multispectral camera, launched on the Metop-SGA1 satellite, will provide crucial and accurate data to improve global weather and climate forecasts.
DLR's uncrewed HAP-Alpha solar aircraft successfully passed key ground tests, moving closer to its mission of long-endurance Earth observation and communication in the stratosphere.
In the NearWake project, DLR investigates wind turbine wake propagation, using a drone swarm at WiValdi farm for the first time, as it affects wind farm performance and loads.
DLR tested Virtual and Remote Co-Pilot systems, both receiving positive feedback for enhancing pilot support in cockpits, and will now be further developed.
The company will showcase aviation, space, energy and defence innovations, including ALICIA platform, reusable rockets, sustainable fuels, quantum sensors and ultralight aircraft.
Through long-standing cooperation, DLR and Rolls-Royce leverage modern measurement technology to optimize aircraft engines, reducing pollutant emissions and advancing sustainable aviation.