June 2, 2026 / 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. / Lecture Hall I, Poppelsdorf Campus (Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 5, 53115 Bonn)

Space is not only a place of strategic infrastructure—it is also a unique place where we can learn many things that help us here on Earth. Exploring our solar system—for example, the Moon, Mars, or Jupiter's moons—provides us with valuable insights into the formation of planets, climate processes, and the conditions under which life can arise.

Astrophysics and astronomy contribute significantly to expanding our knowledge of fundamental laws of nature and the formation of matter, time, and space. Observing solar activity makes it possible to provide early warning of power grid disruptions or satellite failures. At the same time, space research is producing technical innovations – from new materials to autonomous robot systems – that have a wide range of applications on Earth.

This session presents key research projects by European universities, institutes, and space agencies dedicated to space exploration. It also highlights how European innovation policy interacts with space research. How can the promotion of young talent, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships be strengthened? And what role do spectacular missions such as Rosetta or visionary programs such as LUNA play in the future production of knowledge?

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:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. rer. pol. Michael Lauster

Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Technological and Scientific Trend Analysis and Chair of Technology Analysis and Forecasting