Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!
Req ID: 3225
Place of work: Oberpfaffenhofen
Starting date: 01.02.2025
Career level: Student research project and final thesis
Type of employment: Part time, Full-time
Duration of contract: 6 months
Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector – Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)
The DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation is dedicated to mission-oriented research in selected areas of communications and navigation. Its work ranges from the theoretical foundations to the demonstration of new procedures and systems in a real environment and is embedded in DLR’s Space, Aeronautics, Transport, Security and Digitalization programmes
What to expect
Current satellite-to-ground telecommunication systems rely on radio frequencies to carry signals but this technology is now reaching its limits which restricts the available bandwidth. To overcome these limits, the next generation telecommunication systems are turning towards optical wavelengths to establish links with much higher bandwidth and which are intrinsically more secure.
The Optical Satellite Links (OSL) department in DLR is at the forefront of the development of the new technology necessary to bring these next generation telecommunication systems in operation. In particular, the group for Mitigation of Atmospheric Impairment (MAI) focuses on counteracting the impact of atmospheric turbulence on optical links using adaptive optics (AO).
On the site of Oberpfaffenhoffen, the institute of communication and navigation has installed a ground station (OGSOP) equipped with a 0.8m diameter telescope. In the past successful bi-directional links were established with GEO satellites. We are now upgrading the adaptive optics system to be able to interface with LEO satellites, a significantly more challenging configuration, with stronger turbulence and apparent wind speed requiring a faster and higher order AO system.
You will participate in the development, implementation and test of new advanced calibration procedures and the upgrade of the AO control loop algorithm to increase the performance of the system and fully take advantage of the state-of-the-art equipment available.
Your tasks
- Use simulations to develop improved calibration procedure
- Implement and test those procedures on the AO bench
- Acquire on-sky data to use in simulation to develop a robust control algorithm
- Implement and test the algorithm on live on-sky data
- Drive the AO system on our 6 km horizontal link to assess the improvements in performance of the new control algorithm or new calibration procedures
Your profile
- Currently pursuing a Master in Engineering or Physics with Optics or Control elements
- python programming
- fluent English
We offer
DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.
We look forward to getting to know you!
If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 3225) please contact:
Douglas Laidlaw
Tel.: +49 8153 28 4522
