The German Armed Forces’ Space Command is prioritizing partnerships with domestic and European “Newspace” companies as it develops planned satellite constellations, ground stations and launch capabilities. Generalmajor Michael Traut, Chief of the Space Command, emphasized the need to build a self-sustaining space industry, stating that sufficient resources must now be allocated to achieve this goal.
Historically, European institutions have tended to award space contracts to established providers, often accompanied by detailed technical specifications. Generalmajor Traut aims to shift this approach, arguing that the state should act as a customer to accelerate technological advancement and innovation within the industrial sector. He believes the pace of development is significantly faster outside of established frameworks.
Illustrating this evolving strategy, the Bundeswehr has already secured launch services from several German micro-launcher companies, including Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg and Hyimpulse. Generalmajor Traut expressed confidence that at least two of these three companies will achieve orbital launches within the next two years.
Recent announcements indicate a substantial investment in German space projects, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently outlining plans for a total of €35 billion to be allocated by 2030. The relatively new Space Command, established in 2021, is expected to play a pivotal role in the strategic direction and implementation of these initiatives. Germany currently boasts over a hundred Newspace companies, alongside established industry players, creating a fertile environment for innovation and growth within the sector.
