Enhancing autonomous satellite communication networks within Europe
In a significant development, the state of Baden-Württemberg is taking the lead in advancing Europe's satellite communication. A high-profile event, 'Satellite Communication for Europe: Resilient, Sovereign, and Independent,' was recently held at the State Representation in Berlin, Germany.
Organised by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economics, the State Ministry, and the German Centre for Satellite Communication (DeSK), the event brought together leading experts from politics, administration, the military, science, and business. The discussion rounds underscored the security policy, technological, and economic relevance of satellite communication for Germany and Europe.
Thomas Strobl, the Deputy Minister-President and Minister of the Interior of Baden-Württemberg, stated that satellite-supported communication is gaining central security-political and technological significance. The event coincides with Germany's presidency of the Ministerial Council of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Baden-Württemberg is home to a thriving space industry. Around 40 percent of the specialists working directly in this sector nationwide are based in the state. The state has initiated a series of measures to drive forward the importance and benefits of satellite communication, as evident in the 'THE Aerospace LAND - On to new horizons' strategy approved in 2023.
The state boasts an excellent research landscape, a dense network of powerful companies and suppliers, and a highly specialized equipment industry. Renowned universities and research institutions such as the University of Stuttgart, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Fraunhofer Society (FhG), and the Max Planck Society (MPG) are established in Baden-Württemberg.
Statewide and nationwide networks such as the Forum for Aerospace Baden-Württemberg e.V. (LR BW) and DeSK promote strategic cooperation between research, industry, and politics in Baden-Württemberg. Notably, the 2023 event 'THE Aerospace LAND - On to new horizons' in Baden-Württemberg saw strategic cooperation in aerospace through initiatives like the 'Allianz Neues Fliegen,' which focuses on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and aims to integrate research, industry, and policy to advance climate-friendly aviation and strengthen Baden-Württemberg's leadership in aerospace.
Looking ahead, Germany will host the next ESA Conference in November 2025 in Bremen, where central investment decisions for the future of European space will be made. Baden-Württemberg is setting an important impetus for the strategic orientation of European satellite communication. The state is also emphasising the importance and urgent need to advance and strengthen a resilient and sovereign satellite infrastructure in Germany and Europe, as highlighted at the 2025 Spring Interior Ministers Conference.
With a turnover of around five billion euros and about 16,000 employees, Baden-Württemberg is one of the leading aerospace locations in Germany. The state's commitment to satellite communication underscores its role as a key player in the field of space, driving forward innovation and security for Europe.
