Chris Volkmar

Prof. Dr. Chris Volkmar is a Professor for Electric Space Propulsion and Electromagnetic Compatibility at the Technical University of Mittelhessen (THM) since October 2019. He serves as Co-Head of the TransMIT EMC Laboratory and leads the Space Electronics Research Group. His institutional affiliations include membership in the Competence Center for Nanotechnology and Photonics (NanoP) and the Research Campus Mittelhessen (FCMH) in the field of space applications, where he serves as Deputy Spokesperson since April 2025.

Prof. Volkmar's academic background includes:

• PhD (2015) from Justus Liebig University Giessen with dissertation on 'Self-consistent numerical 1D/3D hybrid modeling of radio frequency ion thrusters'
• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (2012-2014) from THM
• Graduate Engineer in Information and Communication Technology (2007-2011) from THM

Specializing in electric space propulsion systems and electromagnetic compatibility, Prof. Volkmar's research bridges plasma physics with spacecraft engineering. His work focuses on radio frequency ion thrusters, developing innovative measurement techniques and specialized testing facilities including vacuum-compatible reverberation chambers and semi-anechoic chambers for electromagnetic compatibility testing of electric propulsion systems. His expertise spans power electronics for space applications, plasma diagnostics, and spacecraft system integration challenges.

Prof. Volkmar's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory from fundamental plasma modeling toward increasingly sophisticated engineering solutions for space applications. His recent work emphasizes system-level integration challenges of electric propulsion systems, with particular attention to electromagnetic compatibility issues that arise when integrating these systems into spacecraft. The research demonstrates strong collaboration between theoretical modeling and practical engineering validation.

• Ombudsperson for Good Scientific Practice at THM (2023-2027)
• Deputy Member of the Executive Committee for Young Researchers at THM (2022-2025)
• Board Member for Instruments (MDPI) journal
• Guest Editor for Frontiers in Space Technologies research topic 'Advances in Electric Propulsion Systems'

Prof. Volkmar actively supervises student research through structured thesis programs at THM, with formal guidelines and LaTeX templates provided for academic work. His research is supported through institutional affiliations with TransMIT GmbH, the Competence Center for Nanotechnology and Photonics, and the Research Campus Mittelhessen. He serves on multiple examination boards and departmental committees, demonstrating significant institutional involvement in academic governance and quality assurance across both THM and joint programs with Justus Liebig University (JLU).

As Co-Head of the TransMIT EMC Laboratory and leader of the Space Electronics Research Group, Prof. Volkmar directs specialized testing facilities for electromagnetic compatibility of electric propulsion systems. His team has developed vacuum-compatible reverberation chambers and semi-anechoic chambers specifically designed for spacecraft component validation. The research group maintains strong connections with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and participates in international conferences including the Electric Rocket Propulsion Society events, contributing to the advancement of electric propulsion technology for space exploration.