RESPACE - Key Technologies for Reusable Space Systems Results of a Virtual Institute Programme of the German Helmholtz-Association, 2003 – 2007

A few years ago the Helmholtz Association (HGF) consisting of 15 research Institutions including the German Aerospace Center (DLR) started a network research program called ‘Virtual Institutes’. The basic idea of this program was to establish research groups formed by Helmholtz research centers and universities to study and develop methods or technologies for future applications and educate young scientists. It should also enable and encourage the partners of this Virtual Institute after 3 years funding to continue their cooperation in other programs. Following this HGF request and chance the DLR Windtunnel Department of the Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology took the initiative and established a network with other DLR institutes and German u- versities RWTH Aachen, University of Stuttgart and Technical University Munich. The main goal of this network was to share the experience in system analysis, ae- dynamics and material science for aerospace for improving the understanding and applicability of some key technologies for future reusable space transportation s- tems. Therefore, the virtual institute was named RESPACE (Key Technologies for Re- Usable Space Systems).