Our Mission
Our
Mission
Excellent Space Research
on the Small Satellite of the
University of the Bundeswehr Munich
Seamless Radio Access Networks for Internet of Space is the first and only small satellite mission in the world to provide a publicly accessible multifunctional experimental laboratory in orbit.
On our satellite, more than ten innovative and complex experiments are being carried out at the same time with key and future technologies. These technologies include sixth-generation (6G) mobile communications systems, laser communication, Internet of Things (IoT), to name just a few – pioneering work at its best! The platform is thus very different from the considerably smaller “CubeSats” used in other research projects, which serve as technological showpieces for individual experiments.
With this top-level dtec.bw research project, we would like to expand our national and international leadership in the field of science. The creation of an interdisciplinary Space Innovation Hub forms the interface between science, industry, the Bundeswehr, and society because the platform is mainly intended as a demonstrator for interested users who wish to learn about the possible uses and performance characteristics of new technologies.
A Network of Networks –
Bundeswehr Technology Transfer
for a Common Benefit
In its capacity as the Bundeswehr’s first small satellite mission under the direction of a university, SeRANIS assumes an important role in the age of New Space Economy.
In keeping with the dual-use principle, we want to give something back to society and place great emphasis on contributing to digitalization. Our aim, therefore, is to examine and demonstrate the benefits for society as well as the technological maturity of space-based key technologies.
Exploring secure communication channels and creating seamless transitions between different networks are the main foci of our New Space Mission. By establishing a 6G research hub, SeRANIS incorporates the space component in the 6G area, which is actually a unique feature of the project.
Commercialization of Space Applications and
Promotion of Startups
SeRANIS seeks to participate in the emerging market of commercial space technologies and facilitate access to them. The project thus pursues an agile New Space Strategy in order to transport new systems into orbit speedily and cost-effectively.
Apart from promoting young scientists in a targeted fashion, SeRANIS aims to benefit the German space industry as well as innovative New Space start-ups. Thanks to open platform interfaces, new technologies can be tested jointly and demonstrated to relevant stakeholders.
The promotion of spin-offs and the systematic involvement of businesses are intended to help transform research into marketable products. As a result, the industry’s leading market position can be strengthened. Furthermore, SeRANIS makes an important contribution to Germany’s technological sovereignty and high-tech strategy.
OUR SATELLITE – ATHENE 1
Launch: 2025
Platform: ~ 300 kg
Payload: ~ 90 kg
Flight altitude:
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
~ 500-600 km above the earth’s surface
research fields
Our research fields
THE SATELLITE
The satellite will serve as a real research laboratory in low earth orbit, thus enabling a new form of cooperation between science and civilian society whose main focus is on mutual learning in an experimental environment. In future, researchers from all disciplines relevant to digitalization will be able to connect to the platform.
BLOG/NEWS
THE PROJECT PROMOTERS
SeRANIS stands for cutting-edge research in space
“As the Bundeswehr’s Space Innovation Hub and a scientific platform, we are making a fundamental contribution to Germany’s digital sovereignty.”
In the words of mission director Prof. Dr. Andreas Knopp, “As the Bundeswehr’s Space Innovation Hub and a scientific platform, we are making a fundamental contribution to Germany’s digital sovereignty.”
SeRANIS is funded by the federal government and is part of the Bundeswehr Centre for Digitalization and Technology Research (dtec.bw), which, on behalf of the federal government, strategically bundles university research in several key and future technologies and seeks to establish new research cooperation projects with science, economy, administration and society.
Within this framework, the SPACE Research Center and the Munich Center for Space Communications at the Universität der Bundeswehr München have, together, received a grant to conduct small satellite missions.
Space research is a strategic pillar at the university, which has been regarded for decades as one of the leading addresses in space technology and greatly appreciates the funding it has been granted.