Detlef's main scientific interest is cosmic dust, meteors, fireballs, and other minor bodies in the solar system, in particular asteroids. He is focussing on the analysis of observational data and the usage of optical cameras.

He is currently sharing his time between working as 'Instrument Coordinator' for the Close-Up Imager (CLUPI) on ExoMars 2020 and as Co-Manager of the near-Earth object segment of ESA's Space Situational Awareness programme (SSA-NEO).