Science Year "Our Universe": Fraunhofer Technologies in Space

Planets, satellites and space travel– the motto of the Science Year 2023 was "Our Universe". Since 2000, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the initiative “Wissenschaft im Dialog” (Science in Dialogue) have chosen a theme for the Science Year every year. This theme is then used to communicate scientific content throughout the year and numerous activities such as exhibitions, competitions and other dialog formats are carried out. The Science Years promote the exchange between science and society and provide citizens with easy access to research topics. In 2023, the focus was on space and therefore topics such as astronomy, the beginnings and history of the universe and pressing issues of our time such as climate change, environmental protection and new energy sources.

Fraunhofer activities in the Science Year "Our Universe"

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft also took part in the Science Year 2023 with a number of activities. Together with the Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE Alliance, Fraunhofer headquarters organized a three-day exhibition titled "Down to Earth Space Technology" at the Fraunhofer Forum in Berlin. In addition to exhibits from the Fraunhofer Institutes INT, EMI and FHR as well as joint exhibits from the Alliance, participants were able to listen to exciting talks, get hands-on in a citizens' lab, take part in a children's reading session and visit a science café. From May to October, Fraunhofer was also represented on the MS Wissenschaft, an exhibition ship that functions as a science center and tours Germany and Austria with scientific exhibitions. Visitors could also view exhibits from various Fraunhofer institutes, including Fraunhofer INT and take part in a citizen science workshop for children during the stop at the Bonn harbor in early August, where they measured the size of a dam using satellite images. In the space-themed Science Year, the biggest highlight for Fraunhofer INT in 2023 was its participation in the Heinrich-Hertz-mission, contributing a radiation sensor installed on board of the satellite.

The Heinrich-Hertz-mission

The aim of the Heinrich-Hertz-mission is to test new satellite communication technologies for their suitability for use in space under real conditions and to carry out experiments on communication, antennas and satellite technology. Satellites are exposed to numerous challenges in space, including extreme temperatures and radiation. In the worst-case scenario, these conditions can cause the technology to fail. To minimize this risk, the satellite undergoes in-orbit verification with this mission. If the components successfully pass the endurance test on this mission, the risk of failure on future missions will be significantly minimized. On July 6, 2023, the almost 3.5-ton Heinrich Hertz communications satellite was launched on board the last Ariane 5 rocket from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. After reaching orbit, the satellite will circle in a geostationary orbit for 15 years at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, remaining constantly above the same spot on the Earth's surface. The Heinrich-Hertz-mission is being carried out by the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) and with the participation of the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg).

Fraunhofer INT develops radiation sensor for the Heinrich-Hertz-mission

The on-board radiation sensor (FORS) developed at Fraunhofer INT is on board the Heinrich-Hertz-satellite and is being used for the first time on this mission. The sensor measures intense radiation events in orbit in order to protect the satellite's radiation-sensitive components depending on the radiation level. Specifically, the FORS measures the dose resp. particle fluxes on carriers for electronic components, the so-called circuit boards. The radiation-sensitive components to be protected are located on close proximity on these boards. During intense solar radiation events in orbit, a sudden increase in particle fluxes can cause considerable damage. The measurements provide information on when adaptive techniques to minimize the radiation effect must be used to protect electronic components of the satellite. The measurements should also help to gain a better understanding of the radiation environment of satellite technology under real conditions. This could help future missions as more accurate data can be provided. Findings from this mission are also extremely important for satellite manufacturers or operators.

The Fraunhofer IIS on board processor

The Fraunhofer INT sensors are located in the box of the Fraunhofer on-board processor (FOBP). This was developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Erlangen and is also being used for the first time as part of this mission. Conventional communication satellites were previously limited to receiving and forwarding data. The Fraunhofer on-board processor (FOBP), on the other hand, filters and processes the received information already on board the satellite. It can be reconfigured from Earth and thus adapted to new communication standards at any time. The satellite can thus further develop its capabilities in space during the mission, serving as a test environment for new satellite communication systems.

Irradiation tests at Fraunhofer INT 

However, Fraunhofer INT was not only involved in the Heinrich-Hertz-mission with the FORS. In advance, scientists from Fraunhofer INT conducted various radiation simulations on electronic and optical components of the Heinrich-Hertz-satellite. Since cosmic and solar radiation causes increased radiation exposure in space, a number of precautions must be taken in advance for space missions. The radiation can damage parts of satellites such as the electronics or optical components (lenses in cameras or telescopes, laser communication systems, etc.) and render them unusable. These components are therefore subjected to tests before they are sent into space to check how they react to the increased radiation. Appropriate measures can then be taken to protect the components and ensure their functionality. These tests were carried out at Fraunhofer INT using a Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation facility.