Satellite Formations

The cooperation of several small satellites allows for innovative and economically interesting solutions in earth observation and telecommunications. In the following, concrete missions realized at ZfT are presented, which are intended to demonstrate groundbreaking new approaches in orbit. These open up exciting scientific and commercial application perspectives, such as

• global, real-time satellite communication networks (Project NetSat),
• 3D earth observation with high spatial and temporal resolution (Project TOM),
• tap-proof communication through encryption with quantum technologies (Project QUBE).
• understanding the influence of clouds on climate by using computer tomography on satellite formations (Project CloudCT)

The synergies from the three major projects NetSat, TOM and QUBE, which are managed by ZfT, open up excellent opportunities to help shape future key issues in space travel. In accompanying technology development projects, the foundations for distributed computing capacities in orbit as well as for corresponding modern production capacities for satellites are being developed.