September 2nd, 2025 / 18:00 - 19:30 p.m. / Bonner Universitätsforum, Heussallee 18-24, 53113 Bonn

Thomas Reiter spent a total of 350 days in space – far away from Earth, surrounded by technology and darkness, but also with a breathtaking view of our planet. The former Air Force brigadier general has been raving ever since about his stays on the MIR and the International Space Station (ISS), where he also spent months with Russian cosmonauts. The ISS as a symbol of the peaceful use of space travel is a thing of the past. On the contrary, a “Star Wars” scenario looms, as the use of space is increasingly serving military-strategic purposes. 

What does Thomas Reiter think about this? How dangerous is it and what are the consequences for peaceful use? Space travel is also becoming increasingly commercialized, as demonstrated by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Do Germany and Europe still play a role in space projects at all? 

During the evening discussion, astronaut Thomas Reiter will share personal insights from his missions on the MIR and the ISS and talk to journalist Michael Krons about current developments and challenges in space travel.

Introduction:
Dr. h.c. Thomas Reiter, Brigadier General (ret.), ESA astronaut (1992–2007), former ESA coordinator for international agencies, and advisor to the ESA Director General

Dialogue:
Dr. h.c. Thomas Reiter
Michael Krons, journalist and chair, formerly at Phoenix