Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOFSpace Tech Expo Europe | November 18 – 20, 2025
Fraunhofer IOF at Space Tech Expo Europe
Visit the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF from November 18 to 20 at the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen. We cordially invite you to experience our optical solutions for space applications.
You will find us in Hall 5 at Booth M22.
Learn more about our services and exhibit highlights on this page.
We look forward to meeting you in person at the trade fair. Talk to our experts directly at booth M22: Meet our experts and do not miss our presentation sessions .
Fraunhofer IOF develops high-precision optical components for applications in the NIR to EUV spectral range such as for telescopes and spectrometers for Earth observation and remote sensing missions. The optimized system design enables precise results under extreme environmental conditions throughout the entire mission duration. In addition, the institute develops systems for satellite-based optical communication.
These systems use customized beam sources and adaptive optical components that are specifically designed for customer-specific application scenarios. At the same time, Fraunhofer IOF is working on quantum technologies for use in satellite networks.
The goal is to increase the performance and security of future communication systems in space. The spectrum ranges from robust optical transmission links to tap-proof quantum communication systems.
Tabbed contents
Earth observation
Rainbow – Hyperspectral imaging system for Earth observation
The hyperspectral imaging system developed for Earth observation aims to meet the needs of agriculture by providing detailed information on the condition of crops and enabling quantitative assessment. The Ritchey-Chrétien telescope required for the entire system was developed at Fraunhofer IOF and, in combination with the selected detector, achieves a spatial resolution of less than 20 m in the spectral range from 400 nm to 1700 nm.
Metal mirror telescope for the Rainbow project funded by ESA as part of the InCubed+ program
High-performance diffraction gratings for the Sentinel-4 and Sentinel-5 missions
Fraunhofer IOF supplied the flight hardware for the spectrometer optics on board ESA's Sentinel Earth observation missions. The institute develops scalable nanostructured gratings with efficiencies of over 90 % and a low polarization degree of less than 10 %. A NIR spectrometer grating (685 nm - 773 nm) was provided for the Sentinel-5/UVNS instrument and a dielectric reflection grating (750 nm - 775 nm) including its isostatic mount was provided for Sentinel-4.
Proto-flight model of the diffraction grating for the optics of the Sentinel Sentinel-5 NIR spectrometer.
FLEX double slit assembly
The Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) mission will provide global maps of vegetation fluorescence, which can provide information about photosynthetic activity as well as plant health and stress. For the spectrometer on board, the institute has manufactured a high-precision silicon double slit device with slit widths in the sub-µm range over the entire length.
High-precision double-slit assembly for the space spectrometer of the FLEX mission.
Remote sensing
Laser module for the ExoMars mission
The RAMAN spectrometer on the ExoMars mission will analyze minerals on the surface of Mars. For this purpose, Fraunhofer IOF and Monocrom S.L. have developed a dual diode-pumped 532 nm solid-state laser (DPSSL) with more than 100 mW, whose optical components can withstand strong mechanical and high thermal influences as well as intense radiation exposure.
Small but powerful: The stationary laser module built in Jena combines tiny size with great robustness.
Satellite Communication
Wavelength multiplexers for spectral beam combining
In the global photonic communications network of the future, satellites will serve as fast alternative routes that can relieve congested data highways. In order to be able to transmit even higher data rates over even greater distances in the future, Fraunhofer IOF has developed a wavelength multiplexer and demultiplexer that can combine multiple laser beams of different wavelengths. To bridge large communication distances, these systems combine 10 channels (100 GHz spacing) in the 1 µm range with a power of 10 W per channel, scalable in both channel number and power. They can also be designed for use in the 1.5 µm range.
Spectral beam combining (SBC) can further increase the power potential regardless of the limited power of individual fiber lasers.
Quantum technologies for secure satellite communication
Robust, tap-proof communication channels are crucial for the future of space travel and global information security. Within this framework, Fraunhofer IOF is developing quantum technologies to improve the efficiency and security of satellite communication systems, for example through tap-proof quantum communication protocols and adequate space-compatible hardware for quantum key distribution.
The customized solutions are tailored to the requirements of the space industry, improve communication reliability, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems. Fraunhofer IOF has the appropriate infrastructure on site for practical testing and offers several test environments for laser and quantum communication.
On Display:
- Demonstrator of a source for entangled photon pairs as payload
- 3D model of a mobile receiving and transmitting unit (QuBUS)
- Advanced telescope with application-specific coating
Integrated EPS for satellite communications – graphic shows rendering for the HyperSpace project.
Engage directly with our researchers at the booth during the time slots listed below. You are also welcome to contact our colleagues in advance to schedule an appointment.
Lucas Zettlitzer – Expert for precision optical components and systems
Tuesday, 18.11. from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Florian Müller – Expert for high precision micro assembly and opto-mechatronic system solutions
Tuesday, 18.11. from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Stephanie Hesse-Ertelt – Strategic Initiatives and Business Development
Tuesday, 18.11. from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Felix Kraze – Expert for hybrid system integration of complex opto-mechatronic components
Wednesday, 19.11. from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Steffen Böhme – Expert for laser-based packaging and joining technologies for optical fibers
Thursday, 20.11. from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Learn more about Fraunhofer IOF's developments for space applications in entertaining presentations.
November 18, 11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Lucas Zettlitzer: "Metal-Optical Excellence for Space – Advanced Solutions from Fraunhofer IOF“
November 18, 2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Florian Müller: "Integration of optical components for Earth observation satellites"
November 19, 2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Stephanie Hesse-Ertelt: "Optical instrumentation for Earth observation and satellite communication“
EEN-Fraunhofer Space Community Get-Together 2025 | Monday, November 17, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meet our researchers on the eve of the trade show at the EEN-Fraunhofer Space Community Get-Together. Monday, November 17, 4:00–8:00 p.m.