May 5, 2026 / 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. / Lecture Hall I, Poppelsdorf Campus (Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 5, 53115 Bonn)

The space industry is undergoing profound structural change. New private-sector players, flexible business models, venture capital, and innovation-driven technologies are changing the playing field—in Europe as well. The so-called “New Space” sector promises not only faster innovation cycles but also broader economic use of space.

This session will examine the interplay between government space policy, industrial competitiveness, and private space companies. Where do Europe's strengths and weaknesses lie in global competition, particularly in comparison to the innovation-driven ecosystems in the US and Asia? What framework conditions are needed for an efficient European New Space market?

Key growth areas such as mini and micro launchers, connectivity from orbit, Earth observation services, in-orbit services, and space data markets will be discussed. The session will also take a critical look at funding instruments, regulatory hurdles, and the question of how Europe can strengthen its industrial sovereignty through targeted political initiatives.

The event is being held in cooperation with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the German Armed Forces Space Command, the Society for Security Policy (GSP), the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), the Research Network for Security and Technology in Space (SichTRaum), the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Bonn-Rhein-Sieg), the Bonn Adult Education Center, and the ASTRA student association.

Welcome:

Dr. Enrico Fels

Managing Director of the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS)

Lecture followed by discussion:

Ramona Schmitt 

Coordinator of the NewSpace Initiative at the Federation of German Industries (BDI)