Student Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering or similar (f/m/x)

Free-space optical (FSO) communications enable the implementation of communication systems with very high data rates, maintaining small terminal sizes and low power consumption at the same time. In the past years, DLR’s Optical Satellite Links (OSL) department has been developing a system to transmit data through an optical link reliably.

OSL is working on the development of miniaturized FSO terminals for small satellites. These are complex devices with several mechanical and electrical components, including on-board computers for controlling and data handling. Computers range from small microcontrollers to high performance processors running Real-Time and non-Real-Time operation systems. Your task is the development and verification of software for the on-board computers of FSO terminals. Most of the development is done using C and C++. Knowledge of Python is also required for testing.

Development of space systems are challenging projects where complexity and the need of reliability and performance are always present. It is expected that as part of the development you will produce test cases for ensuring reliability. Developments can also include the integration and implementation of embedded middle-wares, communication protocols, and optimization problems, therefore familiarity with Real-Time systems and communication protocols is appreciated.