NRW relies on space travel: Ewald will be the new ambassador for space!

NRW relies on space travel: Ewald will be the new ambassador for space!

On April 29, 2025, Prof. Dr. Reinhold Ewald, a former Esa astronaut, is the first space ambassador to be appointed by North Rhine-Westphalia. Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) emphasized the importance of the federal state for the space industry and stated: "The way to space leads over NRW!" Ewald's appointment is part of a larger strategy to make the strengths of the Germany -specific space locations more visible and promote.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is based in Cologne and works closely with the European Space Organization (ESA) and other research institutions. Around 400 companies are active in NRW in the space industry that cover almost the entire value chain. Ewald will not only work as an ambassador, but also act as a key to the strategic orientation of state politics.

role of space ambassador

Reinhold Ewald, who taught from 2015 to 2024 as a professor of astronautics at the University of Stuttgart, emphasized the need for a technological self -sufficiency in Europe. This is crucial to reduce dependencies on countries like the USA. Ewald, who flew to the space station with the Soyuz TM-25 in 1997 and led the Columbus mission surgery of the ESA from 2004 to 2011, is one of the 13 Germans who were previously in space.

The state government has positioned North Rhine-Westphalia as a "space country". An initiative that is also supported by the establishment of networks such as aerospace.nrw. This network aims to make the skills of the actors visible in the air and space industry and to promote the exchange between science and business.

important events and developments

In Cologne, the first space conference "Spacetech.nrw" will take place on April 30, 2025, which is organized in cooperation with the ESA and the DLR and exposed around 300 guests. The speakers include Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst, Deputy Prime Minister Mona Neubaur, ESA General Director Dr. Josef Aschbacher and Dr.-Ing. Walther Pelzer.

Mona Neubaur, Minister of Economics, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy, emphasizes the relevance of space travel for understanding and protection of the world. NRW is highlighted as an innovation engine in space travel, with a combination of top research and numerous start-ups. This also includes the development of modern quantum technologies and high-tech components.

Neubaur pointed to specific projects, such as the Govsatcom Hub for safe satellite communication and the Luna Hall, which serves to simulate moon missions. The ESA BIC program supports young companies in the industry, especially in Aachen and Haltern.

The developments in North Rhine-Westphalia show that the country endeavors to set not only national but also international standards in the space industry and thus strengthen its competitiveness.

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