Bremen as a Driver of Digital Transformation in Aeronautics and Space
The state of Bremen has been a significant hub for the aeronautics and space industry in Germany and Europe for decades. In addition to its outstanding engineering expertise and innovative companies, Bremen is increasingly focusing on digital technologies to strengthen the competitiveness and technological sovereignty of the industry. Notably, its involvement in Gaia-X, the European initiative for a secure and connected data infrastructure, highlights Bremen's efforts to drive the digitalization of the aerospace sector.
Since 2021, companies, research institutions, and public entities in Bremen have been actively involved in the creation of data spaces to enable the secure exchange of information. With support from the state of Bremen, the Digital Aeronautics and Space Collaboration Lab (DASCLab) was established as a Gaia-X practical example, developing new digital collaboration models for the industry. A key milestone was the implementation of a mixed-reality application for the assembly of aerospace components. Further information on the project can be found at the following link. Should you have any questions regarding DASCLab, please feel free to contact us at any time at info@aviaspace-bremen.de.
Bremen's commitment goes far beyond DASCLab. Together with partners from across Germany, the Gaia-X Lighthouse project COOPERANTS was launched, which is revolutionizing digitalization along the entire lifecycle of aerospace vehicles. The core of this project is a data marketplace that enables the secure exchange and use of data and intelligent services, fully in line with the requirements of the EU Data Act, which will come into effect in 2025.
Another prominent example is the Virtual Product House (VPH) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) at ECOMAT, which is also supported by the state of Bremen. In this project, industry and research in Bremen are working together on the digital development of aircraft. This initiative focuses on pioneering digital technologies that not only optimize aircraft production but also create innovative processes for the entire industry.
On a European level, Bremen is also setting new standards. Initiatives from Bremen and South Holland are collaborating to explore the concept of a 'digital twin of the Moon.' This technology aims to make future lunar missions more efficient and safer by reducing risks and lowering costs.
Through the close integration of science, business, and politics, Bremen has established itself as a driving force behind the digital transformation in Aeronautics and Space. The targeted support for innovative projects like DASCLab and COOPERANTS underscores the state's strong commitment to guiding the European aerospace industry into a digital future with Gaia-X.
GAIA-X
What is Gaia-X?
Gaia-X is a European initiative for a secure, transparent, and interconnected data infrastructure. It strengthens Europe’s digital sovereignty and enables an open, federated data ecosystem. Instead of relying on centralized cloud solutions, Gaia-X promotes a decentralized approach that allows companies and institutions to exchange data securely while retaining full control. Unified standards and certifications ensure interoperability and trust.
The main objectives of Gaia-X are:
- Digital Sovereignty: Independence from non-European cloud providers and control over one's own data.
- Interoperability: Unified standards for the secure and seamless exchange of data and services.
- Security & Privacy: Compliance with European regulations such as the GDPR and the EU Data Act.
- Innovation & Competitiveness: Promotion of new data-driven business models, especially for SMEs and start-ups.
Gaia-X is supported by companies, research institutions, and public organizations across Europe, enabling various industries – including the aerospace sector – to advance their digital transformation on a trusted foundation.
Ongoing Activities in the Federal State of Bremen
COOPERANTS
COOPERANTS (Collaborative Processes and Services for Aeronautics and Space) is the leading collaborative alliance of industry, SMEs and research institutes in the aeronautics and space sector that solves pressing digital collaboration problems by creating a common data space.
For this purpose, COOPERANTS develops and operates a digital infrastructure according to Gaia-X standards for the low-barrier exchange of heterogeneous data from individual system landscapes as well as for the operation of new, collaborative smart services. As a result, the aeronautics and space industry will increase the efficiency of data sharing, reduce blind services, project costs as well as risks of failure, and lower the barriers to entry for innovative digital data services and additional partners.
COOPERANTS will become a key player in a European, digital and sovereign marketplace, making available secure, trusted products and services based on Gaia-X standards for the successful digital collaboration of the aeronautics and space industry.
CONTACT
Dr. Caroline Lange
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Space Systems
Lead - COOPERANTS
+49 421 24420 1159
Source: DLR (CC-BY 3.0)
DLR Virtual Product House (VPH)
The DLR Virtual Product House (VPH) located at the ECOMAT Bremen is an integration center, in which several DLR institutes, industry partners and authorities (e.g. EASA) work together on the (virtual) product development and certification of innovative technologies and components (e.g. wing moveables or hydrogen tanks) as well as their integration into climate-compatible aircraft concepts. The VPH is a key element of the DLR aeronautics programme strategy for the digitalisation of aviation. The digitalisation of aircraft development, certification and operations significantly accelerates the innovation speed and reduces risks, costs and emissions over the entire life cycle.
In different VPH projects (e.g. DLR-internal, Bremen LuRaFo, LuFo and Clean Aviation), a digital “end-to-end” process for multifunctional moveables on future aircraft wings has been developed, connecting design, production, testing and certification steps. Ultra-performing high-aspect ratio wings are a key enabler for upcoming energy-efficient aircraft programmes and climate-compatible flying.
For closer digital cooperation and integration of capabilities between industry and research partners, the VPH establishes a “common-source architecture” that integrates simulation capabilities in a protected environment, enabling efficient co-development and (virtual) testing of innovative aircraft concepts and technologies.
CONTACT
Dr. Kristof Risse
German Aerospace Center (DLR) Programme Directorate Aeronautics Virtual Product House (VPH) @ ECOMAT
Digital Twin of the Moon
In a new space race, the Moon is once again at the center of global efforts. Numerous countries and private companies are preparing for lunar missions, making the need for risk reduction and cost savings increasingly apparent. In this context, digital twins could be crucial in achieving these goals.
A consortium consisting of Airbus Defence and Space, ATG-Europe, the DLR Institute of Space Systems, SCN Avatar and TU Delft, supported by the regions of Zuid-Holland (NL) and Bremen (DE), proposes to develop a digital twin of the Moon. This digital twin will serve as an authoritative digital ecosystem to support lunar exploration, science, and commercialization, and act as a central platform for information exchange. It will foster collaboration among all European stakeholders, coordinate existing activities, and initiate new projects by integrating data and models into a joint program.
It will not only provide the opportunity for simulation and risk-reduced planning of lunar missions but will also enable interoperability between different missions and scientific models. This digital twin will promote collaboration through immersive technologies and stimulate innovation in lunar science and exploration. A step toward a future where lunar exploration is safer, more cost-effective, and sustainable.
CONTACT
Dr. Tra-Mi Ho
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Head of Department, System Engineering & Project Office
Tra-Mi.Ho@dlr.de
ZIM-Network: AEROSPACE.DIGITAL
An Innovation Network for the Digital Transformation of the Aerospace Industry
Vision
The aerospace industry is undergoing major change. Digitalisation, new competitors, and growing demands for efficiency and sustainability are already shaping the sector today. For small and medium-sized companies in particular, it is a major challenge to keep up with this rapid pace while also developing innovative solutions.
This is exactly where aerospace.digital comes in. The network brings together the agility and practical expertise of innovative companies with the scientific knowledge of leading research institutions. The goal is to jointly develop new digital solutions, speed up the implementation of innovations, and strengthen technology transfer between research and industry.
As the coordinating partner, embeteco provides the organizational structure for this collaboration. The network supports its partners in developing new ideas, carrying out joint projects, and creating sustainable technological progress for the aerospace industry.
Goal
The main goal of aerospace.digital is to develop innovative technologies and practical prototypes that can serve as the foundation for future market-ready products. Through close cooperation between companies and research institutions, solutions are created for current challenges in the aerospace industry.
The prototypes developed within the network serve as the starting point for further development into commercial products, enabling participating companies to strategically expand their portfolios and explore new business opportunities.
embeteco/Ignite acts as the network coordinator. In addition to organisational management, embeteco/Ignite supports partners through networking, funding applications, and the implementation of joint projects using workshops, coaching, and targeted innovation programs.
CONTACT
Dr. Hendrik Holzmann
Innovation und Netzwerke Programme
FUNDED BY
