Technische Universität Berlin (Technical University of Berlin)

The Technical University in Berlin

At the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation Science, the department of Planetary Geodesy, as partner of the FP7 ESPACE project, focuses on the study of objects within our solar system that are observed by space probes through visual sensors and laser altimeter instruments. Based on fundamental properties like the shape, size, gravity field and rotation parameter that are derived from space observations further conclusions on the interior of planetary bodies are drawn

The eventful history of the Technische Universität Berlin extends all the way back to the time of King Friedrich II. Originally founded in 1770, the School of Mining was integrated into the “Königlich Technische Hochschule zu Berlin” (TH) in 1916. The TH was established in 1879, when it merged with the School of Architecture, founded in 1799, and the Academy of Trade, founded in 1821. Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Christian W. Beuth, the “father of engineering”, are some of the most well-known representatives of these two institutions. As a successor the Technische Universität Berlin opened as the first technical university in Germany in 1946. The compendium of subjects included Humanities with the aim to breach the gap between technological research and social responsibility. The challenge of gaining insight into interaction between society and technology remains an important issue even today.
Several Institutes at TU Berlin are involved in studying the Solar System and astronomical as well as astrophysical processes and phenomena. The Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics for instance is focusing on the theory of evolution of galaxies, observation and modelling of extrasolar planetary systems, and the theory of formation mechanisms.