In order to obtain a maximum of high-level scientific results from space missions, scientists and engineers of GFZ Potsdam are involved in the definition and design of new satellites. This includes also the development and manufacturing of new hardware and the support of payload integration and test campaigns. Examples for such activities are:  

• The TOR Payload on TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X
• The development and manufacturing of Laser Retro Reflectors (LRR) for Low-Earth orbiting satellites
• Proposed single-element hollow LRR for high-orbiting satellites like the Galileo navigation satellite constellation

Active payloads like the instrument packages for magnetometry, gravity field and atmospheric research onboard the CHAMP satellite and the GPS receivers on TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X are supported during their in-orbit operation as well.