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
Ride into microgravity with a ‘spy’ amongst numerous experiments
On 21 October 2022 at 09:25, the MAPHEUS 12 research rocket of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrums für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) took off from the Esrange Space Center near Kiruna in northern Sweden. It reached an altitude of 260 kilometres before descending back to Earth on a parachute. On board for the first time were nerve cells. The goal is to understand how their electrical signals deviate in microgravity. The research team also investigated how the polarity of cells behaves under microgravity in connection with the development of cancer. The flight also served as a test run under space conditions for new types of solar cells as well as for an encryption technology that will protect the sensitive data of life support systems and space vehicles in the future. It also marked the first time that a reusable ignition unit was used in the upper stage.
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.