Boosting Autonomous Satellite Connectivity across Europe
Baden-Württemberg, a leading German state, is taking the forefront in advocating for the importance and benefits of satellite communication. The state is spearheading a series of measures to emphasize the security policy, technological, and economic relevance of satellite communication for Germany and Europe.
The recent event, "Satellite Communication for Europe: Resilient, Sovereign, and Independent," held at the Landesvertretung in Berlin, was a testament to this commitment. Organized by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the State Ministry, and the German Centre for Satellite Communication (DeSK), the event brought together leading representatives from politics, administration, the German Armed Forces, science, and business for insightful discussions.
The event coincided with Germany's presidency of the Ministerial Council of the European Space Agency (ESA) and served as a prelude to the 2025 Ministerial Council Conference of the ESA, which Germany will host in Bremen. This conference is set to be a key investment decision-making platform for the future of European space.
Satellite communication has been identified as a central pillar of digital infrastructure and an important element for the security and sovereignty of Europe. Its strategic and technological significance is growing due to global political tensions, hybrid threat situations, and increasing dependence on digital infrastructures.
Baden-Württemberg is home to some of the leading research institutions in the field of air and space, including the University of Stuttgart, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Fraunhofer Society, and Max Planck Society. The state also boasts a dense network of powerful companies and suppliers in the air and space industry, contributing significantly to the national pool of specialists, with around 40% of all space industry specialists based in Baden-Württemberg.
In 2023, Baden-Württemberg approved the air and space strategy "THE Aerospace LAND - On to new horizons," setting the course to become one of the leading air and space regions in Europe. The state government, in collaboration with Hesse, initiated an event on satellite communication in Berlin in 2022 to highlight the opportunities and possibilities of this key technology.
Thomas Strobl, the Deputy Minister-President and Interior Minister of Baden-Württemberg, gave an opening speech at the event, underscoring the state's commitment to driving and strengthening the development of a resilient and sovereign satellite infrastructure in Germany and Europe.
The event featured three thematic panels on resilience, the security of critical infrastructures, the role of 5G/6G connectivity, and the planned European satellite constellation IRIS2. These discussions highlighted the vital role of satellite communication in maintaining operability of democratic institutions, controlling critical systems, and enabling communication in crisis situations.
Baden-Württemberg's strategic orientation for European satellite communication is gaining significance, as the state aims to lead the way in ensuring resilient, sovereign, and independent satellite communication for the future.
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