Digital Twin

Introduction

The Mirror of Reality

The implementation of digital twins (DT) in the development of satellite missions is becoming increasingly important, as it enables continuous coupling of virtual models and physical space systems throughout their entire life cycle. Current research focuses on the question of how established digital twin solutions from product development can be transferred to the specific requirements of space travel. Space travel is characterized by extreme environmental conditions, limited physical accessibility, and high reliability requirements. A systematic, cross-domain analysis identifies the potential and limitations of knowledge transfer, thereby laying the foundation for making the development, verification, and operation of satellites more efficient and secure through proven digital twin methods. The aim is to sustainably strengthen innovation in space systems engineering and provide new impetus for digital transformation.

Relevance of the topic

Permanent data comparison between reality and simulation

The introduction of digital twins for satellite missions involves technical, methodological, and organizational challenges. These include adaptation to extreme conditions, ensuring reliability, integrating distributed subsystems, precisely defining requirements, complexity management, high development costs, and international cooperation. Many of these challenges have already been addressed in other industries and offer transfer potential, while space-specific environmental conditions continue to require their own solutions.

Research focus

In this context, we focus in particular on the following research areas:
- Research objective: Systematic identification of space-specific challenges and cross-industry transfer potential for the introduction and effective use of digital twins throughout the entire product life cycle (from system architecture to maintenance).
- Technical focus: Improvement of interoperability, end-to-end data integration, and model-based, interdisciplinary collaboration to reduce interface breaks and increase decision-making quality throughout development, testing, operation, and maintenance.
- Organizational and competence dimension: Development of change management strategies, qualification and competence building programs, and governance approaches to enable acceptance, role clarification, and scaled deployment of digital twins in space organizations.
- Economy and sustainability: Derivation of viable, sustainable business and operating models (TCO, value creation logic, benefit metrics) and identification of success factors and obstacles as a basis for roadmaps for the adoption of digital twins in space travel.

Current research results

Studies show that around 70% of digital twin solutions established in product development have high to medium transfer potential for space travel. Many technical and methodological approaches, such as data integration, modeling, and organizational change, can be adopted with manageable effort. However, the extreme environmental conditions in space remain a challenge without direct transferability. Research therefore recommends placing greater focus on the design and verification phases in order to leverage the advantages of proven solutions. These findings form the basis for future empirical validations and pilot projects that are intended to further advance the transfer of theory into practice.

Employees on this focus

Büro (Geb. 41/300,2316) Büro (Geb. 41/300,2316)

Legende

  • 1: Büro (Geb. 41/300,2316)