News/press

The space industry is on the verge of a new era. While the United States and China continue to dominate, an increasing number of nations are making targeted investments in developing their own expertise and capabilities. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening technological sovereignty and ensuring national security. Prof. Dr. Frank Schäfer, Head of the business unit Space at Fraunhofer EMI, explains why Germany needs to act now – and what role Fraunhofer will play in this transformation.

Lithium-ion batteries in personal electronic devices (PEDs) such as laptops, smartphones, powerbanks and electronic cigarettes can pose a serious safety risk in air travel. Damaged or overheated batteries can combust or explode. In the LOKI-PED project, the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI and the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP cooperated with Airbus to examine the consequences of smoke and fire occurring in aircraft cabins and cockpits. This first scientifically substantiated risk assessment will contribute to a safer use of electronic devices in air travel.

They power vehicles, keep onboard systems running, and are gaining importance in aviation. Lithium-ion batteries—prized for their high energy density, low self-discharge, and long lifespan—are the preferred choice for many applications. Yet the question persists: How safe are they? Dr. Sebastian Schopferer, Head of the Crash and Battery Safety Center, and Benjamin Schaufelberger,battery safety simulation expert, discuss the safety of these widely-used energy storage devices, trends and challenges for manufacturers, and the benefits of testing throughout the development process.

The University of the Bundeswehr Munich has appointed Professor Dr. Martin Sauer as an honorary professor in the field of "High Dynamics".

Green hydrogen is a key area of opportunity in the energy transition. However, the use of pipelines to transport this energy source is associated with a degree of risk. Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI, are developing a hydraulic simulation tool to assist with the planning of a resilient hydrogen infrastructure designed to safeguard energy supply.

With the construction of the KTC (High-Speed Dynamic Technologies Center), the institute is further expanding its research in Freiburg.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics (Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI) have developed a tool that allows companies and operators of critical infrastructures to quickly evaluate their need for action. This tool facilitates the efficient identification of security risks and the implementation of necessary measures.

Germany stands at a turning point: How resilient is the country against the crises of the future? An assessment of the previous implementation by the National Resilience Platform reveals where Germany has become stronger and where gaps remain. The analysis, which also involved experts from the Fraunhofer EMI, shows: Resilience requires more than good intentions. It demands structural strength, clear priorities, and decisive action.

The automotive supplier Brose is planning to enter the space and satellite sector. In October, the family-owened company formed strategic partnerships with Fraunhofer-Institute for High-Speed-Dynamics EMI, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC and the BERLIN SPACE Consortium (BERLIN SPACE).

After a year in orbit, the research satellite ERNST has achieved a significant milestone: The beer crate-sized satellite provides images of rockets during launch. It has gathered crucial data for early missile warning systems.