April 14, 2026 / 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. / Lecture Hall I, Poppelsdorf Campus

Space travel is experiencing a renaissance – technologically, economically, and geopolitically. It is no longer just about science and prestige, but also about economic success, security-related infrastructure, and strategic sovereignty. Europe faces the challenge of setting its own agenda and maintaining its strategic capacity to act in a space industry characterized by global competition.

This introductory session analyzes key trends such as commercialization by private actors (New Space), the geopolitical rise of spacefaring nations such as China and India, and the growing importance of cislunar space. It discusses why space policy is no longer a niche technical topic, but must be at the heart of European strategies for the future.

At the same time, it takes a critical look at the European space architecture – from the ESA and EU space agencies to national space agencies, industrial players, and scientific consortia. Where does Europe stand today – and what strategic goals must it pursue?

The event is being held in cooperation with the German Space Agency, 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:

Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl

Special Advisor for Political Affairs at the European Space Agency (ESA)