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Digital methods for data-driven design and virtual testing offer great potential in the development and production of new vehicles. Production times and costs can be significantly reduced. At the same time, data and knowledge engineering allows specialist knowledge to be preserved and used efficiently – especially with the help of AI.

Safety engineers and battery researchers from all over the world met at the »Safe Battery Experience« forum in Freiburg on October 15 and 16. Research and industry exchanged views on new developments, regulations and test procedures. One of the highlights was a tour of the Fraunhofer battery testing laboratories in Efringen-Kirchen.

The number of small satellites in low orbits is increasing. The so-called NewSpace market offers high growth potential, but Germany and Europe are still lagging behind in global development. Three Fraunhofer Institutes are currently researching how the versatile small satellites can be produced much more cost-effectively and quickly. The project partner is the Centre for Telematics e.V. in Würzburg. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs is supporting the research project with funding totalling almost 2 million euros.

Fraunhofer's first research satellite »ERNST« was launched into space from California on 16 August 2024. The mission of the small satellite: It is to test new technologies under space conditions and investigate whether small satellites the size of shoeboxes can also be used to detect rocket launches. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics EMI in Freiburg played a leading role in developing the small satellite. They will oversee the three-year mission. The research project is funded by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).