NRW on the way to space lane hub: The future of technology begins!

NRW on the way to space lane hub: The future of technology begins!

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) sets ambitious goals in space travel and strives to become the "heart of European space travel". Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) emphasized at the "Spacetech" conference in Cologne. Cologne location plays a central role, since all astronauts of the European Space Organization (ESA) are trained here. Wüst emphasized the importance of the DLR campus on which the Luna training center for the planned ESA moon mission is to be created.

In North Rhine -Westphalia, around 400 companies in the space industry are located that promise an annual growth potential of ten percent. The space travel is not only considered a key technology of the future, but is also crucial for the areas of security, climate research, disaster protection and defense. Economic Minister Mona Neubaur (Greens) underlined these aspects and emphasized the innovative strength of the industry.

space ambassador and strategic orientation

In order to further strengthen the position of North Rhine-Westphalia, Prof. Dr. Reinhold Ewald, a former Esa astronaut, appointed as a space ambassador. Ewald is to promote space travel in the region and position NRW as an innovation engine. He emphasized that space travel is increasingly commercialized and the region has the chance to achieve technological self -sufficiency. His tasks are closely linked to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy, where he will give impulses for the strategic orientation of state politics, Land.nrw .

Another focus is the structure of the Govsatcom hub in Cologne, which will control satellite communication for Europe. Wüst emphasized the need for its own European satellite system, especially to offer support from Ukraine. This happens against the background that 50 percent of space expenditure worldwide flow into defense, while the proportion in Europe is currently only 15 percent.

criticism and competition

In the discussion about space positioning, Neubaur also emphasizes political competition. So she criticized Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder, who also raises claims in space travel with the “Bavaria One” program. The competitive conditions between the federal states are tense because both regions want to claim their status in the European space industry.

ESA President Josef Aschbacher renewed his promise to expand the Cologne location, and Astronaut Alexander Gerst underlined the need for Germany and Europe, independent of other actors such as the USA. In a rapidly changing space environment, NRW underlines its ambitions to play a leading role in order to ensure both economic advantages and strategic security, such as Nordrhein-Westfalen/nrw-will-in-paum-fuehrend-sein-stichelei- opposite-seder-selfies-zr-93712493.html"> Wa.de reported.