Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOFSpace Tech Expo Europe | November 19 – 21, 2024
Fraunhofer IOF at Space Tech Expo Europe
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF drives innovation and develops future technologies in the field of aerospace optics and applications. From November 19 to 21, our institute will be presenting its recent developments at the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen.
We cordially invite you to visit us at Europe's largest B2B space event. You will find us in hall 5, booth N11. And visit booth M22 and take a look at the exhibits of Fraunhofer Allianz AVIATION & SPACE.
Learn more about our exhibition highlights below.
As a prelude to the trade fair, please note our "EEN-Fraunhofer Space Community Get-together for start-ups and industry" on Monday evening, November 18, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the ECOMAT Bremen, and do not miss the chance to apply for the pitching session!
Our researchers are very much looking forward to meeting you!
Highlights & Exhibits at Space Tech Expo Europe 2024
At the Space Tech Expo in Bremen, our institute is going to present its latest developments in Space optics and future technologies. From a double-slit assembly of spectrometers to an ultra-compact payload for a satellite the size of a shoe box or a steady-state laser module, Fraunhofer IOF offers a vast range of applications.
Highlight
CubEniK's mini-satellite for quantum communication in space
Led by Fraunhofer IOF, the project CubEniK developed an ultracompact payload for a satellite the size of a shoe box, a so called “CubeSat”. The goal of the mini satellite is to transmit a secure quantum key over a distance of 300 kilometers between two ground stations in Jena and Munich.
Visualization of a CubeSat with quantum key distribution between Jena and Munich.
Mission-related exhibits
FLEX Mission: Fraunhofer IOF develops high-precision double slit for space spectrometer
The special design of the FLORIS spectrometer with the double slit offers a decisive advantage for the objectives of the FLEX mission. Fraunhofer IOF Jena has developed and manufactured a double-slit assembly with exceptional accuracy as well as two high-precision mirrors.
The double slit is made of silicon and has a black coating.
Filter arrays for the Sentinel 2 mission
Geophysical changes on the Earth's surface can be detected by scanning different areas of the electromagnetic spectrum using a high-resolution camera. To separate the wavelengths, researchers at Fraunhofer IOF have developed multispectral filters and integrated them into the “eye” of the Sentinel-2 satellite, a so-called multispectral imager (MSI).
VNIR and SWIR filter arrays for the Sentinel 2 mission.
High-performance diffraction gratings for the Sentinel 4 and 5 missions
Fraunhofer IOF develops scalable nanostructured gratings with, e.g., particularly high efficiencies of over 90 % and a low degree of polarization of less than 10 % and thus, supplied the flight hardware for the spectrometer optics of ESA's Sentinel Earth observation missions. An NIR spectrometer grating (685 nm - 773 nm) was provided for the Sentinel- 5/UVNS instrument and a dielectric reflection grating (750 nm - 775 nm) including its isostatic mount for Sentinel 4.
Proto-flight model of the diffraction grating for the Sentinel 5 NIR spectrometer optics.
Miniaturized laser module for the Exo-Mars Rover's mobile laboratory
One instrument on board the ExoMars mission is a device called a Raman spectrometer. The centerpiece of the spectrometer’s heavily miniaturized and space-worthy laser source is a diode-pumped solid-state laser with frequency doubling, constructed at Fraunhofer IOF in Jena.
Small but mighty: The steady-state laser module constructed in Jena combines a tiny scale with great robustness.
Technology related exhibits
At our booth M22 we will show the technological capabilities of Fraunhofer IOF. Our range of services covers the entire photonic process chain from optomechanical and optoelectronic system design to the manufacturing of customized solutions and prototypes for applications in laser and secure quantum communication as well as for Earth observation and remote sensing. We present ultra-light and long-term stable, topology-optimized optical components and systems and give an insight into athermal designs, ultra-precise freeform optics, optical coatings, unique grating solutions, and innovative adhesive-free bonding and assembly technologies.
The DLR instrument DESIS (“Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer”), for example, was realized for use on the International Space Station ISS on the basis of athermal, freeform optics consisting of a three-mirror anastigmat (TMA) telescope and spectrometer.
Join Fraunhofer IOFs presentation at Space Tech Expo 2024
At the Space Tech Expo in Bremen, Dr. Stephanie Hesse-Ertelt will give you insights on "Optical instrumentation for Earth oberservation and satellite communication" on November 20 at 2:30 p.m until 3:00 p.m in the Exhibitor Technology Forum.
For more information about the conference please inform yourself at the official website.
Integrated EPS for satellite communication - graphic shows rendering for project HyperSpace.