The German Federal Armed Forces are prioritizing collaboration with domestic and European “Newspace” companies as they develop planned satellite constellations, ground stations and future rocket launches. Generalmajor Michael Traut, Chief of the Bundeswehr’s Space Command, emphasized the need to bolster a self-sustaining space industry through increased resource allocation.
Historically, European institutions have often favored established providers, dictating detailed technical specifications for space contracts. This approach is now being re-evaluated. Generalmajor Traut stated that the government should adopt a customer-focused role, recognizing that technological advancements and innovation typically emerge faster within the industrial sector.
As a demonstration of this shift, the Bundeswehr has already secured launch services from several German micro-launcher companies, including Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg and Hyimpulse. Traut anticipates that at least two of these three companies will achieve orbital launches within the next two years.
The development aligns with recent announcements from Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who has pledged a substantial investment of €35 billion in space projects by 2030. The newly established Space Command, founded in 2021, is expected to play a pivotal role in directing these initiatives. Germany’s burgeoning Newspace sector, encompassing over one hundred companies, positions the country for significant growth and innovation in the space domain.