Research Projects Detail – HITec – Hannover Institute of Technology

Multifunctional Measurement System for Microgravity Research

The aim of this research project is to develop a sensor system for research in weightlessness. The system should be able to record and process relevant data.

Led by: M. Sc. Richard Sperling

Year: 2024

Funding: Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony (MWK)

Duration: 01.01.2024 - 30.06.2024

Development of a multi-user facility for quantum experiments in the Einstein-Elevator by integrating an ISS express rack

The project aims to develop a multi-user express rack that serves as an interface between the Einstein-Elevator and the scientific experiments on the ISS and is based on the standardized sizes of the International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR). Technical specifications such as power supply, communication systems, and cooling must be adapted to the special environmental conditions of the Einstein-Elevator to support and validate current and future ISS research projects efficiently.

Led by: M. Sc. Marvin Raupert

Year: 2024

Funding: QuantumFrontiers

Duration: 01.07.2024 - 31.12.2024

Ultrasonic levitation as a handling tool for ISM processes

The joint project Lev4ISM pursues the development of an innovative, resource-saving manufacturing process for In-Space Manufacturing (ISM), which aims to enable the substrate-free production of components in microgravity. By using acoustic levitation and implementing coupled simulations, the precise handling of particles and components in microgravity will be researched to create long-term solutions for sustainable and flexible space missions.

Led by: M. Sc. Jan Raffel

Year: 2023

Funding: German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Duration: 01.09.2023 - 31.08.2025

Levitated Magnets for Quantum Metrology

This project aims at a systematic investigation of sensors based on levitated micromagnets, which allow to measure ultra-low torques and magnetic fields, demonstrating an unprecedented energy resolution.

Led by: M. Sc. Alexander Heidt

Year: 2022

Funding: QuantERA Project of the EU (DFG)

Duration: 01.01.2022 - 31.12.2024

Activity of comets under partial gravity

Cometary activity, which in this case refers to the ejection of dust from the surface, can be simulated in the laboratory, but more than a thousand times Earth's gravity overrides the gravity prevailing on comets. With the help of the Einstein-Elevator it will be possible to perform experiments under comet-like conditions.

Led by: M. Sc. Emre Tahtali

Year: 2022

Funding: German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Duration: 01.08.2022 - 31.07.2025

Hannover Center for Microgravity Research

The focus of the DFG-funded research center "Hannover Center for Microgravity Research" is the establishment of an administrative service and management structure for the Einstein-Elevator. This should enable effective use of the Einstein-Elevator, also for external scientists.

Led by: Dr.-Ing. Christoph Lotz

Year: 2022

Funding: DFG

Duration: 01.01.2022 - 31.12.2024

Laser-based additive manufacturing of metal parts from powder in microgravity

The aim of this research project is the development of a laser-based additive manufacturing process for the production of metal parts from powder in microgravity. The approach is based on the "Laser Metal Deposition" (LMD) process known for earth gravity.

Led by: M. Sc. Marvin Raupert

Year: 2021

Funding: DFG

Duration: 07.2021 - 06.2024

Dark Energy Search with Atom Interferometry in the Einstein-Elevator

The collaboration DESIRE uses the free-fall simulator Einstein-Elevator for dark energy search with atom interferometry. For this purpose the apparatus MAIUS-A will be reconstructed with a specialized test mass and afterwards operated in microgravity.

Led by: M. Sc. Alexander Heidt

Year: 2021

Funding: German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Duration: 01.04.2021 - 31.03.2024

Interferometry with entangled atoms in space

In this project, the entanglement of atoms in microgravity is measured using a robust and compact atomic sensor. The main goal is to demonstrate interferometric sensitivity beyond the standard quantum limit in microgravity.

Led by: M. Sc. Alexander Heidt

Year: 2021

Funding: German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Duration: 01.09.2021 - 31.12.2024

Experiment carrier for the Einstein-Elevator

An essential Component of the Einstein-Elevator at the Hannover Institute of Technology (HITec) is an experiment carrier, that is used inside the Einstein-Elevators gondola. In collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Institute for Transport and Automation Technology is developing a low-vibration carrier. The aim is to use the system to carry out various experiments under microgravity.

Led by: M. Sc. Richard Sperling

Year: 2020

Funding: DLR-SI

Duration: 08.2020 - 07.2023

Cold Plasma in ZeroG

The height dependence of the plasma conditions and the height dependence of the dynamics of charged microparticles inserted into the plasma are to be investigated in the Einstein-Elevator in a plasma chamber. To this end, the movements of the microparticles during the transition from 1 g to 0 g in the Einstein-Elevator are to be analyzed.

Led by: Dr.-Ing. Christoph Lotz

Year: 2019

Funding: German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Setup of an active drop tower

As part of the establishment of the Hannover Institute of Technology (HITec), an active drop tower, the Einstein-Elevator is being set up by the Institute of Transport and Automation Technology (ITA). The design, development and construction of the facility are being carried out in collaboration with the QUEST Leibniz Research School (QUEST-LFS) and the Institute of Quantum Optics (IQ). The aim is to be able to carry out experiments under conditions of microgravity, but also under different partial gravity conditions such as those on the Moon or Mars.

Led by: Dipl.-Ing. Christoph Lotz

Year: 2011

Funding: DFG und Land Niedersachsen (Projektträger)

Duration: since 10/2011