INTERFACE BETWEEN SCIENCE AND THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

RESEARCH AND TRANSFER FOCUS ON AEROSPACE

APOC Bremen is intended to be the contact point for questions relating to science in the aerospace sector. APOC Bremen will connect scientists with each other and with industry and thus create greater visibility to the outside world.

Mission

We continuously develop the joint external image of Bremen as an aerospace location and jointly create a mission statement for a clear understanding of our field in business, research, teaching, politics and society. In addition, we promote communication, networking and cooperation between scientists at Bremen’s universities and research institutes, including interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary cooperation with non-technical and scientific departments, in order to fully exploit the great potential of our region for aerospace.

Vision

Together with our partners from society and industry, we will establish the state of Bremen as a world-leading aerospace location through excellent research, teaching and transfer.

AREAS OF RESEARCH

Aerospace is built on a very broad scientific foundation. This is why APOC Bremen covers the disciplines of physics, mathematics, engineering and materials science, electrical engineering, computer science, philosophy, biology, 3D printing, cognitive research, chemistry, robotics, information technologies, exploration research and many more. This is reflected in many interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary projects and collaborations.

Bereich 1

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus.

Bereich 2

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus.

Bereich 3

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus.

Bereich 4

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus.

STEERING COMMITTEE

The APOC Bremen Steering Committee is made up of seven to nine people from Bremen’s research community and is elected for a period of two years by the General Assembly.

The tasks of the steering committee include

  • The strategic planning and orientation of APOC Bremen,
  • cooperation and communication with civil society, business, politics and science,
  • initiating discussions on the role of science for Bremen as an aerospace location,
  • developing and submitting research proposals to funding bodies,
  • cooperation with the advisory board and the coordinator.

Prof. Marc Avila

Info

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jasminka Matevska

Sprecherin
Info

Prof. Hartmut Bösch

Stellv. Sprecher
Info

Prof. Armin Dekorsy

Info

Prof. Dr. Antonio Francisco García Marín

Info

Prof. Meike List

Info

Prof. Frank Kirchner

Info

INSTITUTIONS

Further information on the research institutions of the members of the Steering Committee is summarized here.

DLR INSTITUTE FOR SATELLITE GEODESY AND INERTIAL SENSORS, DLR SI
Earth observation is one of the most important tools for understanding climate change, assessing countermeasures, identifying future developments at an early stage, and providing necessary, local, targeted support. The Institute of Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensor Technology of the German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.) is primarily dedicated to research and development of new ways to observe the Earth's gravitational field. The DLR - SI therefore sets itself the following goals:
• Acquisition and processing of high-precision data for the observation of climate change.
• Development of new sensor technology for the improvement of gravity field data.
• Establish laser ranging systems for use in gravity field missions.
• Creation of global reference systems for space and time based on (ultra-) cold atoms.
• Simulation of the environmental influence on the quality of Earth observation measurements.
Another focus of the institute is the development of quantum optical systems for inertial sensing. These are deployed in Earth observation missions, but, primarily, for navigation in GNSS denied areas:
• Development of new quantum optical navigation systems for navigation without GNSS
• Investigation and adaptation of sensor technology for use on satellites and in exploration
DFKI ROBOTICS INNOVATION CENTER
The Robotics Innovation Center (RIC) is part of the Bremen site of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence GmbH (DFKI). Here, scientists under the direction of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frank Kirchner develop mobile robotic systems that are used for complex tasks on land, at sea, in the air and in space. The RIC cooperates closely with the robotics working group at the University of Bremen.
The RIC is a young, dynamically growing field of research at the DFKI with international character. Currently, a staff of around 110 employees from all over the world works here in research and development. Up to 60 student assistants support the individual projects.
The Robotics Innovation Center team benefits from interdisciplinary cooperation: computer scientists and design engineers meet biologists, mathematicians, computer linguists, industrial designers, electro engineers, physicists, and psychologists in order to jointly develop mobile robot systems. The design accords to latest mechatronic developments and programming based on complex, massive-parallel embedded systems solutions.
In the framework of direct industrial orders or publicly funded joint projects, the Robotics Innovation Center designs and realizes intelligent robots for a variety of fields of application, such as underwater, space, SAR (Search and Rescue) and security robotics, logistics, production and consumer (LPC), cognitive robotics, e-mobility, and rehabilitation robotics. The focus lies on a rapid transfer of results of basic research into real-world applications.
INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS, IUP
The Institute of Environmental Physics (IUP) at the University of Bremen aims to research the Earth system using physical methods. The focus is on atmospheric, marine and cryospheric research, remote sensing and terrestrial environmental physics. The IUP employs over 100 people. The various working groups have excellent equipment in terms of laboratories and computing capacity. The experimental equipment includes gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyzers, highly sensitive nuclear radiation meters as well as optical and microwave spectrometers. Many research projects use external platforms or carrier systems. These include research vessels, research aircraft, large-volume stratospheric balloons and measuring stations around the world. Satellites are research instruments of particular importance. The SCIAMACHY measuring instrument is a focal point of the IUP's research work.
CENTER OF APPLIED SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND MICROGRAVITY, ZARM
Based in Bremen, the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) is best known locally for its impressive Bremen Drop Tower – an architectural landmark. On a global scale, however, ZARM is recognized as a leading center for space research. It operates the world’s most successful microgravity laboratories and excels in quantum and gravitational physics, space-related fluid dynamics, and, more recently, in a wide range of research in space exploration.
We conduct research under space conditions and for space, because space travel and its technologies play an important role in our everyday lives. But before anything can be used in everyday life, basic research must pave the way. That is our mission.
Located at the University of Bremen, ZARM is an institute within the faculty of Production Engineering. More than 100 scientists conduct cutting-edge research using experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to explore fundamental scientific questions as well as to develop innovative technologies for space missions and microgravity experiments.
ZARM’s main laboratory, the Bremen Drop Tower, enables short-term microgravity experiments. Due to growing demand, ZARM expanded its capabilities with the GraviTower Bremen Pro, a next-generation microgravity lab. Both facilities are operated by the ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company (ZARM Fallturm-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH), ensuring world-class research opportunities.
ZARM is dedicated to fostering young talent and offers educational outreach programs for students at all levels. A key focus is encouraging more girls to pursue STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), helping to bridge the gender gap in scientific research and engineering.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING, ANT
The Department of Communications Engineering (ANT) at the University of Bremen has many years of expertise in the research and development of telecommunications systems, algorithms and signal processing methods. In particular, the research includes communication technologies (baseband transceiver designs for 5G/6G) complemented by signal processing (e.g. distributed consensus-based processing, compressed sensing) and AI/ML methods (e.g. Information Bottleneck Method, Neuronal Networks, distributed learning, Deep Unfolding). Working areas are theoretical studies as well as simulative verification of designed concepts. Through its participation in DFG programs, EU/BMBF projects on 5G/6G and NewSpace, and on industrial radio systems, the results of basic research have been transferred directly to the development of communication systems.
The ANT is listed as 5G Competence Center of the BMVI and is member of 5G-ACIA, VDE/ITG Expert Group Communication Technologies, Expert Committee KT1 the EU platform Networld and ETSI. It is further a member of the Technology Center of Computer Science and Information Technology (TZI) of the University of Bremen.
The department offers a variety of different lectures and laboratory experiments in the field of communications including basic in digital communications and wireless communication technologies e.g. multi-carrier, CDMA and MIMO concepts. Lectures are also offered in digital signal processing, channel coding and selected topics in mobile radio communications that are supplemented by machine learning for swarm exploration and next generation mobile systems. By supporting Projects, Bachelor Theses and Master Theses the department offers students the opportunity to work on up-to-date research topics.
CITY UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES BREMEN

Space travel is a key pillar for Bremen as a business location. It is a focal point of scientific research in the federal state. Prof. Dr. Jasminka Matevska and Prof. Dr. Antonio Garcia from Bremen University of Applied Sciences (HSB) make an important contribution with their work in teaching and research. One important aspect of this is to make space travel more sustainable. The two professors are pursuing this goal in different projects. For example, they both run the Airbus Café at HSB, where students from different disciplines come together to work on the future of space travel. The overarching topic is "Reusable Space Transportation Systems". The aim is to develop innovative concepts for making space travel more sustainable, economical and future-proof.

Prof. Dr. Jasminka Matevska also heads the international Master's degree course "Engineering and Management of Space Systems" (EMSS). It provides fundamental knowledge in the field of systems engineering and management, which is required for the planning, design, implementation and management of space missions.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Garcia is part of the management team of the Institute of Aerospace Technology (IAT) at HSB. At the IAT, scientists work together with students to research alternative fuels and propulsion systems in space travel. Examples include the "BreSpaceTech 2025+" project and the "VIBES Pioneer" satellite project.

DLR INSTITUTE FOR SATELLITE GEODESY AND INERTIAL SENSORS, DLR SI
Earth observation is one of the most important tools for understanding climate change, assessing countermeasures, identifying future developments at an early stage, and providing necessary, local, targeted support. The Institute of Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensor Technology of the German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.) is primarily dedicated to research and development of new ways to observe the Earth's gravitational field. The DLR - SI therefore sets itself the following goals:
• Acquisition and processing of high-precision data for the observation of climate change.
• Development of new sensor technology for the improvement of gravity field data.
• Establish laser ranging systems for use in gravity field missions.
• Creation of global reference systems for space and time based on (ultra-) cold atoms.
• Simulation of the environmental influence on the quality of Earth observation measurements.
Another focus of the institute is the development of quantum optical systems for inertial sensing. These are deployed in Earth observation missions, but, primarily, for navigation in GNSS denied areas:
• Development of new quantum optical navigation systems for navigation without GNSS
• Investigation and adaptation of sensor technology for use on satellites and in exploration
DFKI ROBOTICS INNOVATION CENTER
The Robotics Innovation Center (RIC) is part of the Bremen site of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence GmbH (DFKI). Here, scientists under the direction of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frank Kirchner develop mobile robotic systems that are used for complex tasks on land, at sea, in the air and in space. The RIC cooperates closely with the robotics working group at the University of Bremen.
The RIC is a young, dynamically growing field of research at the DFKI with international character. Currently, a staff of around 110 employees from all over the world works here in research and development. Up to 60 student assistants support the individual projects.
The Robotics Innovation Center team benefits from interdisciplinary cooperation: computer scientists and design engineers meet biologists, mathematicians, computer linguists, industrial designers, electro engineers, physicists, and psychologists in order to jointly develop mobile robot systems. The design accords to latest mechatronic developments and programming based on complex, massive-parallel embedded systems solutions.
In the framework of direct industrial orders or publicly funded joint projects, the Robotics Innovation Center designs and realizes intelligent robots for a variety of fields of application, such as underwater, space, SAR (Search and Rescue) and security robotics, logistics, production and consumer (LPC), cognitive robotics, e-mobility, and rehabilitation robotics. The focus lies on a rapid transfer of results of basic research into real-world applications.
INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS, IUP
The Institute of Environmental Physics (IUP) at the University of Bremen aims to research the Earth system using physical methods. The focus is on atmospheric, marine and cryospheric research, remote sensing and terrestrial environmental physics. The IUP employs over 100 people. The various working groups have excellent equipment in terms of laboratories and computing capacity. The experimental equipment includes gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyzers, highly sensitive nuclear radiation meters as well as optical and microwave spectrometers. Many research projects use external platforms or carrier systems. These include research vessels, research aircraft, large-volume stratospheric balloons and measuring stations around the world. Satellites are research instruments of particular importance. The SCIAMACHY measuring instrument is a focal point of the IUP's research work.
CENTER OF APPLIED SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND MICROGRAVITY, ZARM
Based in Bremen, the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) is best known locally for its impressive Bremen Drop Tower – an architectural landmark. On a global scale, however, ZARM is recognized as a leading center for space research. It operates the world’s most successful microgravity laboratories and excels in quantum and gravitational physics, space-related fluid dynamics, and, more recently, in a wide range of research in space exploration.
We conduct research under space conditions and for space, because space travel and its technologies play an important role in our everyday lives. But before anything can be used in everyday life, basic research must pave the way. That is our mission.
Located at the University of Bremen, ZARM is an institute within the faculty of Production Engineering. More than 100 scientists conduct cutting-edge research using experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to explore fundamental scientific questions as well as to develop innovative technologies for space missions and microgravity experiments.
ZARM’s main laboratory, the Bremen Drop Tower, enables short-term microgravity experiments. Due to growing demand, ZARM expanded its capabilities with the GraviTower Bremen Pro, a next-generation microgravity lab. Both facilities are operated by the ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company (ZARM Fallturm-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH), ensuring world-class research opportunities.
ZARM is dedicated to fostering young talent and offers educational outreach programs for students at all levels. A key focus is encouraging more girls to pursue STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), helping to bridge the gender gap in scientific research and engineering.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING, ANT
The Department of Communications Engineering (ANT) at the University of Bremen has many years of expertise in the research and development of telecommunications systems, algorithms and signal processing methods. In particular, the research includes communication technologies (baseband transceiver designs for 5G/6G) complemented by signal processing (e.g. distributed consensus-based processing, compressed sensing) and AI/ML methods (e.g. Information Bottleneck Method, Neuronal Networks, distributed learning, Deep Unfolding). Working areas are theoretical studies as well as simulative verification of designed concepts. Through its participation in DFG programs, EU/BMBF projects on 5G/6G and NewSpace, and on industrial radio systems, the results of basic research have been transferred directly to the development of communication systems.
The ANT is listed as 5G Competence Center of the BMVI and is member of 5G-ACIA, VDE/ITG Expert Group Communication Technologies, Expert Committee KT1 the EU platform Networld and ETSI. It is further a member of the Technology Center of Computer Science and Information Technology (TZI) of the University of Bremen.
The department offers a variety of different lectures and laboratory experiments in the field of communications including basic in digital communications and wireless communication technologies e.g. multi-carrier, CDMA and MIMO concepts. Lectures are also offered in digital signal processing, channel coding and selected topics in mobile radio communications that are supplemented by machine learning for swarm exploration and next generation mobile systems. By supporting Projects, Bachelor Theses and Master Theses the department offers students the opportunity to work on up-to-date research topics.
CITY UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES BREMEN

Space travel is a key pillar for Bremen as a business location. It is a focal point of scientific research in the federal state. Prof. Dr. Jasminka Matevska and Prof. Dr. Antonio Garcia from Bremen University of Applied Sciences (HSB) make an important contribution with their work in teaching and research. One important aspect of this is to make space travel more sustainable. The two professors are pursuing this goal in different projects. For example, they both run the Airbus Café at HSB, where students from different disciplines come together to work on the future of space travel. The overarching topic is "Reusable Space Transportation Systems". The aim is to develop innovative concepts for making space travel more sustainable, economical and future-proof.

Prof. Dr. Jasminka Matevska also heads the international Master's degree course "Engineering and Management of Space Systems" (EMSS). It provides fundamental knowledge in the field of systems engineering and management, which is required for the planning, design, implementation and management of space missions.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Garcia is part of the management team of the Institute of Aerospace Technology (IAT) at HSB. At the IAT, scientists work together with students to research alternative fuels and propulsion systems in space travel. Examples include the "BreSpaceTech 2025+" project and the "VIBES Pioneer" satellite project.