Gisela Detrell

Prof. Gisela Detrell is a Professor of Human Spaceflight Technology at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich. She specializes in developing technologies for astronautical spaceflight, including life support systems (e.g., microalgae photobioreactors), mission simulations (e.g., Mars/Moon concepts), and virtual reality tools for astronaut training. Her work bridges engineering, biotechnology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Education:

• Bachelor/Master in Aerospace Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)
• PhD from the University of Stuttgart and UPC (2015), focusing on reliability analysis of life support systems for long-duration space missions

Research Interests: Prof. Detrell’s research emphasizes sustainable life support systems for extraterrestrial habitats, VR-driven astronaut training, and interdisciplinary design approaches for space stations. Her photobioreactor studies explore algae-based solutions for oxygen and food production on lunar/mars bases, while simulations address mission realism and team performance under extreme conditions.

Articles Overview: Her publications span VR docking simulators, ISS-based photobioreactor experiments, and biofiltration systems for closed-loop life support. These reflect a focus on practical, scalable technologies for long-term space habitation.

Awards/Grants: No specific honors or grants listed in the text. Her academic contributions are highlighted through her professorship and research group leadership.

Labs/Teams: She previously led the research group at the Institute of Space Systems in Stuttgart and currently heads the Human Spaceflight Technology group at TUM.