Applus+ Laboratories cements its place within the aerospace cluster in Bremen, the city of space

The Senator for Economics, Labor and Europe, Kristina Vogt from Bremen, recently visited the Zuid-Holland region in the Netherlands and Applus+ Laboratories had the opportunity to accompany her. Other major companies with bases in Bremen such as OHB, Arianespace, Airbus, Materialise and ZARM joined us on this trip. The aim was to intensify cooperation between two important regions in the field of space, creating a European network for innovation. More than 80% of all space activities in the Netherlands take place in the province of Zuid-Holland, with more than 70 active space agents.

Our Managing Director in Germany, Jan Seidel, stated that "the visit was not only important to establish relations with the space community in the province of Zuid Holland, but also to foster links with space partners in Bremen".

But why is Bremen considered ‘the city of space’?

Bremen, the city of space

More than 100 years ago, a pioneer called Henrich Focke started to build aircraft in Bremen and later, large aerospace technology companies were founded, such as ERNO (Northern Development Ring). Gradually, Bremen established itself as a leading city for aerospace research and industry. Today, Bremen’s aerospace industry has more than 140 companies and 20 institutes, employing 12,000 people and with a turnover of more than 4 billion euros a year.

Companies such as Airbus, Arianespace, OHB, Materialise and Rheinmetall Electronics are based in Bremen and export their products all over the world, giving the city a large international reach. Flagship projects such as the Galileo satellites and Ariane launchers bear the "Made in Bremen" stamp of quality.

One of the most important international trade shows in the sector, the Space Tech Expo Europe, is held in Bremen, too.

The focus on young talent has been one of the keys to success. Faced with a shortage of qualified personnel, Bremen's universities have provided a steady flow of highly qualified graduates. There is a wide range of degrees and careers, which helps to attract and retain talented young people in the city.

Bremen also enjoys a privileged location, with its international airport, major port facilities in Bremerhaven and excellent communications to Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city behind Berlin.

Applus+ Laboratories in Germany

In the space field, Applus+ Laboratories tests at many different levels and in several locations. In Germany, we have facilities in Bremen and Dresden.

Applus+ IMA Dresden engineers test materials and structures. The objective is to verify the durability, performance and safety of airframes, support constructions, tail units, landing gear, engines and interior components. Thanks to our large facilities, we also test full-scale structures of aircraft, helicopters and even space launchers, such as the intermediate tank structures of the Ariane 6 launch vehicle for its upcoming missions.

At the Applus+ BKW laboratories in Bremen, we test metals and composite materials. Key metallic material types tested for aerospace applications are titanium and aluminium alloys. We have a special focus on materials produced by additive manufacturing. . As for composites, we mainly test materials consisting of carbon fibres. For us, it is a privilege to be part of the high-tech community in Bremen, the city of space.

Read this article in German here.
For photos and more information about the Zuid-Holland visit, see here.
Copyright for the photo used in this publication: ©SpaceNed/Sarah Muirhead