Space technology at DTU took a giant leap when the first Danish satellite, Ørsted, went into orbit around the Earth in 1999. The satellite is equipped with instruments and computer programmes that were largely developed at DTU. The equipment includes an astrocompass that facilitates navigation in space, satellite systems and instruments for measuring the Earth’s magnetic field. Since then, similar equipment and instruments developed by DTU have been used by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA on a number of missions. Space technology interfaces with many other research areas, e.g. IT and communication technology, nano- and microtechnology, telemeasurements, etc.
Robot technology from DTU is also used on the Ørsted satellite. Not only in a “mechanical” sense in the form of an 8-metre long telescopic bar but also to a large extent in the form of the computer programmes that make the satellite into a self-steering and self-regulating system – a robot. Robot technology as an area of research is linked to e.g. construction and design research, materials research, information technology, applied mathematics and mechatronics. Research at DTU includes developing autonomous agricultural machinery, pilotless aircraft, industrial robots, control systems, etc.
Space and robot technology is also an area in which students can also test their abilities, e.g. in the annual RoboCup, or when students build and send up their own satellite, DTUsat. Students can also contribute very actively in space research, like the students taking part in a project on reusing Russian ballistic missiles for peaceful non-military purposes.