Harburger University conquers the space: sensors tested at 309 km high!

Harburger University conquers the space: sensors tested at 309 km high!

Harburg/Esrange. An exciting mission in the infinite expanses of space: The Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH) embarked on a spectacular journey into weightlessness!

On Monday at 7.38 a.m., the Mapheus 15 research rocket took off for the 600th time over the frosty Lapland. This mission, which focuses on material physics under weightlessness, transported 21 state -of -the -art scientific experiments, including crucial tests from TUHH. At a dizzying 309 kilometer height, the sensors of the TUHH experienced seven minutes of weightlessness - a period of time that is invaluable for science, since conventional tests often only take seconds.

innovative sensors for space travel

The TUHH's “Smart Sensors”, under the direction of Prof. Ulf Kulau, tested miniaturized sensor systems that are essential for future manned space missions. "We have to develop solutions for robust and autonomous health monitoring of astronauts," explains Kulau. Six highly developed sensor systems were installed in the rocket and were exposed to extreme conditions that prevail in space.

These sensors are specially designed for monitoring cardiac and pulse functions and use an innovative method called seismocardiography. They measure the tiny movements that the heart causes on the surface of the body. "The data we gain from this flight are of enormous importance for our research," emphasizes Christopher Büchse, doctoral student of the Smart Sensors Group.

international cooperation and new technologies

The mission also brought exciting new cooperation with partners from Australia, including the universities of Adelaide and La Trobe, as well as the company Enable Aerospace. Another highlight is the testing of a smart watch that was developed for use in life maintenance systems in space, in cooperation with Samsung and other innovative companies. "We are proud to have so many experiments on board," says Prof. Thomas Voigtmann, project manager at Dlr.

The MAPHEUS mission is part of a continuous height research program of the DLR, which has been carried out regularly since 2009 and takes place at the SWEDISH Space Corporation starting place. Another step into the future of space travel!