Federal Minister for Research Dorothee Bär (CSU) reaffirmed Germany’s aspiration to send the first European astronaut to the Moon. Speaking to “Politico” Bär stated, “We have succeeded in ensuring that the first European to fly to the Moon will be German”. She did not specify whether Alexander Gerst or Matthias Maurer would be the one on the mission. Bär noted that this achievement was made possible through negotiations with the European Space Agency (ESA) to overcome competing claims from neighboring countries. She mentioned that these talks with the ESA were very difficult because France and Italy also put forward claims. Regarding the timeline, Bär indicated that 2028 currently seems realistic.