Welcome to MORABA
The Mobile Rocket Base (“Mobile Raketenbasis” (MORABA)) is a department of Space Operations and Astronaut Training of the German Aerospace Center, based at the Oberpfaffenhofen site.
MORABA has been carrying out scientific sounding missions with unmanned rockets and balloons, and developing the mechanical and electrical systems required for such missions since the 60s.
The areas of application for sounding rockets are diverse and range from atmospheric research, astronomy, hypersonic research and technology testing to experiments in zero gravity.
MORABA has developed a unique mobile infrastructure and hardware for the planning, preparation and implementation of sounding projects. In principle, it can be used to launch a rocket from anywhere on Earth within a short space of time.
This experience and competence is valued and sought after by national and international facilities, industry and institutions of higher education.
- Mobile infrastructure for rocket launches and satellite TT&C
- Launch services
- Launch sites
- Technology and applications for suborbital missions
For detailled information on our services and mobile infrastructure please see the MORABA portfolio documents:
Current MORABA Gallery
MORABA News
Successful high-speed flight experiments with new sounding rocket configuration
We are pleased to announce the successful launch of STORT on Andøya on June 26, 2022. The three-stage launch vehicle used Brazilian S31 and S30 motors, as well as an Improved Orion motor. We take this opportunity to thank our Brazilian cooperation partners Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial (DCTA) with Instituto de Aeronaútica e Espaço (IAE) for their many years of collaboration. STORT is yet another milestone in the joint success story of high-altitude research missions.
Successful static firing test with DLR involvement
On 1 October 2021, an S50 solid-propellant rocket motor, which will form the first two stages of the new VLM-1 launch vehicle, successfully completed a static firing test in the operational area of Usina Coronel Abner (UCA), in São José dos Campos, São Paulo state, Brazil. The rocket motor that has now been tested will also be used for a new European sounding rocket.