Matthias Sperl

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR)

Papers

Total Citations

143

H-Index

About

Matthias Sperl is a leading figure in the physics of granular media and active matter, with a particular focus on space-based applications. His work bridges fundamental non-equilibrium thermodynamics with practical engineering for extraterrestrial exploration. Sperl’s most influential contribution is his pioneering research on solar sintering for lunar additive manufacturing (125 citations), demonstrating how concentrated sunlight can be used to melt lunar regolith into solid structures—a breakthrough for in-situ resource utilization on the Moon. This work directly supports the feasibility of future lunar bases by eliminating the need to transport heavy construction materials from Earth. More recently, Sperl has extended his expertise to active matter systems (18 citations), exploring how self-propelled particles behave in microgravity environments. His research provides critical insights into the collective dynamics of active matter under space conditions, with implications for robotics, nano-medicine, and fundamental physics. By combining rigorous theoretical modeling with innovative experimental techniques, Sperl has established himself as a key contributor to both space manufacturing and the physics of living and synthetic active systems.