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NEW SPACE
CONNECTED

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.

research fields

6G Research Hub

A NEW MOBILE PHONE GENERATION EMERGES EVERY 10 YEARS. WITH EVERY GENERATION, THE MAXIMUM DATA RATES USUALLY doubles. WITH THE LEAP FROM 5G TO 6G, HOWEVER, THE DATA RATE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY A FACTOR OF 100.

Internet of things (IoT)

IN RECENT YEARS, THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) HAS UNDERGONE A REVOLUTIONARY TRANSFORMATION AIMED AT CONNECTING ALMOST EVERY PHYSICAL DEVICE WITH A COMMUNICATION NETWORK.

Modern satellite structures

SPACE MISSIONS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE DRIVER OF INNOVATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES DUE TO THE EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH REQUIREMENTS PLACED BY THE CONDITIONS IN SPACE.

Navigation

IN THE FIELD OF NAVIGATION, THE SERANIS TEAM DEALS WITH MONITORING OF DELIBERATE DISRUPTION OF THE GPS OR GNSS SIGNAL RECEPTION ON THE EARTH’S SURFACE.

Information security

UNTIL RECENTLY, COMMUNICATION SATELLITES HAVE OFFERED EXTREMELY LIMITED FLEXIBILITY WHEN IT COMES TO RESOURCE ALLOCATION. UPCOMING SYSTEMS, HOWEVER, WILL HAVE TO COPE IN REAL TIME WITH SPATIOTEMPORAL VARIATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC DEMANDS AND MORE STRINGENT SECURITY REQUIREMENTS.

Earth observation

IN ADDITION TO NAVIGATION, THE SIGNALS FROM GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS (GNSS) CAN ALSO BE USED TO STUDY THE EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE AND SURFACE, AMONG OTHER THINGS.

Electric propulsion systems

GOOD COMMUNICATION REQUIRES PRECISE POSITIONING. THE MAIN RESEARCH FIELDS OF THE SERANIS PROJECT DEAL WITH THE COMMUNICATION AND TRANSMISSION OF DATA. REGARDLESS OF THE TECHNOLOGY USED, THE SATELLITES NEED TO BE ACCURATELY POSITIONED TO ENSURE FAST AND EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION.

Optimization of Satellite Missions

THE OPTIMIZATION AND TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF SPACE MISSIONS ARE FUNDAMENTAL STARTING POINTS FOR FUTURE SATELLITE MISSIONS AND REPRESENT AN ESSENTIAL MILESTONE FOR THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY.

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 new era of Space Commercialization – Satellites in the geopolitical Chess Game

Read the free publication by SeRANIS project head Prof. Dr. Andreas Knopp and Prof. Dr. Rafaela Kraus.

NPS & SeRANIS – First steps towards Shared Use of the MC3 network

As a Recurring Visiting Professor, Andreas Knopp once again attended the Space Systems Academic Group of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in California.

CDR Review confirms: “SeRANIS shows a promising path to establishing a Space Innovation Hub in Germany”

During this event, the team was able to demonstrate their innovative and sustainable design to a high-caliber panel of experts from the Bundeswehr and space research.

The future of connectivity: B5G/6G demonstrator from SeRANIS at the WSA

SeRANIS PhD students present a B5G/6G demonstrator that heralds the future of wireless communication.

Starlink for the Bundeswehr: A good idea? The system was put through its paces at FZ Space

The use of Starlink in the Bundeswehr has been considered and discussed for some time.

Israeli Consul General visits UniBw M

Israeli Consul General Carmela Shamir visited the Universität der Bundeswehr München.

High-ranking visitor at FZ SPACE of UniBw M – Commander of the Bundeswehr Space Command gets information about the SeRANIS mission

Major General Michael Traut visits the SPACE research center to learn more about the SeRANIS mission.

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.