As part of the University of Stuttgart's 2025 Anniversary Celebration, postdoctoral researcher Dr. Constantin Traub was awarded the prestigious Bürkert University Prize. The prize recognizes his outstanding dissertation entitled “Differential Aerodynamic Forces as a Means to Control Satellite Formation Flight,” which was written at the Institute of Space Systems (IRS) under the supervision of Prof. Stefanos Fasoulas.
In his work, Dr. Traub explores a field that has been little researched to date: the three-dimensional simultaneous control of satellite formations in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) through the targeted use of differential aerodynamic forces. His dissertation is characterized by exceptional methodological depth and engineering originality.
Particular emphasis was placed on the holistic systems engineering approach: Dr. Traub develops a fully integrated methodology that takes all relevant physical and aerodynamic influencing factors into account. By combining analytical and numerical methods, developing flexible simulation tools, and deriving optimized satellite configurations, the work lays important foundations for future developments in the field of space technology.
Even after completing his doctorate, Dr. Traub continues his research at the IRS. As part of the Collaborative Research Center SFB 1667 “ATLAS – Advanced Technologies for Very Low Earth Orbit Satellites,” he continues to focus on the challenges and potential of satellite flight in VLEO.
The Bürkert University Prize – formerly the “Friends of the University Prize” – is awarded annually by the Christian Bürkert Foundation for outstanding scientific achievements. It honors three excellent dissertations from all faculties of the University of Stuttgart and is endowed with 5,000 euros.
Links to the news:
- Differential Aerodynamic Forces as a Means to Control Satellite Formation Flight, PhD-Thesis, Constantin Traub, Juni 2023
- Christian and Dorothee Bürkert Foundation
- SFB 1667 (ATLAS – Advanced Technologies for Very Low Altitude Satellites)
Aerospace research at the University of Stuttgart
Stuttgart's aerospace industry is a unique interdisciplinary think tank for key technologies in space and on Earth. Researchers at the University of Stuttgart combine expertise in the fields of climate and energy research, communication technology, propulsion technology, and AI-based flying. A central focus is research into sustainable technological solutions designed to minimize the ecological impact of aerospace. Research is conducted on an interdisciplinary basis and in close dialogue with regional and international partners from science and industry, for example within the framework of the ATLAS (SFB 1667) and SynTrac (SFB-TRR 364) collaborative research centers. As a partner of THE Aerospace LÄND, the University of Stuttgart contributes to the implementation of Baden-Württemberg's state strategy to make aerospace sustainable, digital, and cooperative by 2050. The university offers its students a sound engineering and application-oriented education. In promoting young talent, it cooperates with the “Zukunftsoffensive Luft- und Raumfahrt-Nachwuchs” (Future Offensive for Young Aerospace Talent), an initiative of the state of Baden-Württemberg that is committed to strengthening the promotion of young talent in the STEM subjects.