Making Germany's Space Sector Fit for the Future
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Innovation Policy, Information Society, Telecommunications Making Germany’s space sector fit Making Germany’s space sector fit for the future for the future The space strategy of the German Federal Government www.bmwi.de www.bmwi.de Editorial department Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) Design and production PRpetuum GmbH, Munich Photo credits DLR (cover), NASA (p. 3), NASA (p. 4), ESA (p. 5), DLR (p. 7), ESA (p. 8), DLR (p. 9), NASA (p. 10), ESA (p. 11), dpa picture alliance (p. 12), DLR (p. 13), ESA (p. 14), Campus Bonn (p. 15), ESA (p. 16), NASA (p. 16), WAZ (p. 17), Fraunhofer-Institut für Hochfrequenzphysik und Radar technik FHR (p. 18), OHB System (p. 19), ESA (p. 20, 22), DLR (p. 23), ESA (p. 24, 25), Astrium (p. 26), ESA (p. 27), dpa picture alliance (p. 28), NASA (p. 30, 31) Print Silber Druck oHG, Niestetal Publisher The Federal Ministry of Economics and Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology has been awarded the Technology (BMWi) berufundfamilie® audit certificate for its Public Relations/L2 family-friendly HR policy. The certificate 10115 Berlin is granted by berufundfamilie gGmbH, www.bmwi.de an initiative of the Hertie Foundation. Last Revised November 2010 Innovation Policy, Information Society, Telecommunications Making Germany’s space sector fit for the future The space strategy of the German Federal Government 1 Making Germany’s space sector fit for the future: The space strategy of the German Federal Government Space technology plays an integral and indispensable role in our daily lives. Whether we are talking about live broadcasts of World Cup matches, satellite-assist- ed emergency management efforts, or the nightly weather forecast, one thing is true: our lives would be very different without satellite images or satellite- based communication and navigation systems. Space technology is key to our modern, knowledge-based society. The Federal Government’s new space strategy reflects the importance of this sector for the future of our country. Our space strategy therefore focuses on the benefits that space technology can bring to the Earth and society. Our motto is “Into space for the At the same time, the Federal Government’s new benefit of humankind”. space strategy takes a holistic national approach, since space applications are playing an increasing The space sector needs to face up to competition role in many policy fields. Therefore, we have closely from other fields of technology and will be measured coordinated our space strategy with all ministries by whether the resources spent on it can be expected involved. In this way, we are ensuring that the best to produce appropriate scientific, societal or commer- possible use is made of public resources. cial benefits. In this context, basic research plays a major role as it lays the foundation for this to happen. In addition, the space sector is increasingly be coming a dynamic field of business, which is opening Germany has established itself as a leading nation up new opportunities for German industry, and for in the international space sector: The Federal Govern- small and medium-sized businesses in particular. ment invests an annual amount of 1.2 billion euros in Space-based infrastructure creates high-potential mar- this sector, making it the sixth-highest national bud- kets for applications and services and attractive jobs. get for space operations in the world. We can boast an The Federal Government’s space strategy will help us impressive track record: German scientists and engi- tap this potential even better. neers have participated in over 200 space missions, including communication and weather satellites, There are many new opportunities for space in space telescopes and deep space probes. Germany. I invite you to seize these new commercial and scientific opportunities! As a result of our targeted support for national skills and capabilities, Germany has become a world Yours sincerely, leader in many fields of technology in recent years. Our new strategy aims to consolidate and enhance these skills. Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Content Content 1. Introduction: setting the stage for Germany’s space strategy . 3 1. Introduction: setting the stage for Germany’s space strategy . 3 2. Space: a key to solving global challenges ..........................................7 2. Space: a key to solving global challenges ..........................................7 3. Guidelines of the Federal Government’s space policy . 9 3. Guidelines of the Federal Government’s space policy . 9 4. Fields of action: making Germany’s space sector fit for the future . 11 4. Fields of action: making Germany’s space sector fit for the future . 11 a) Expanding strategic space expertise . 11 a) Expanding strategic space expertise . 11 b) Establishing a unified legal framework ................................................. 13 b) Establishing a unified legal framework ................................................. 13 c) Sustainably reinforcing our strong position in space research . 15 c) Sustainably reinforcing our strong position in space research . 15 d) Tapping new markets . 16 d) Tapping new markets . 16 e) Exploiting space for civil and military security purposes . 18 e) Exploiting space for civil and military security purposes . 18 f) Shaping the distribution of roles in the European space sector ............................20 f) Shaping the distribution of roles in the European space sector ............................20 g) Defining the roles of Germany and Europe in exploration ................................ 21 g) Defining the roles of Germany and Europe in exploration ................................ 21 h) Securing technological independence and access to space ...............................23 h) Securing technological independence and access to space ...............................23 5. Summary ....................................................................26 5. Summary ....................................................................26 3 1. Introduction: setting the stage for Germany’s space strategy The International Space Station is the largest international space project, a cooperation between the USA, Russia, Japan, Canada and 11 ESA mem- ber states, including Germany. A paradigm shift has occurred within space: once a Space activities form a central plank of the German symbol of the technology race and a contest between Federal Government’s high-tech policy. In the frame- opposing systems, it is now, in every sense, a part of work of its High-Tech Initiative, the Federal Govern- our everyday lives and an essential instrument for ment has increased the amount it spends on space by the achievement of economic, scientific, political approximately 10 % per year. In addition to continuing and social goals. Today space makes a vital contribu- our high level of contributions to ESA, the national tion when it comes to promoting research and devel- space budget in particular has been substantially opment, education and innovation, economic growth, increased. The aim of promoting the continuing de providing highly qualified jobs, improving our quali- vel opment of Germany’s technological skills, partly ty of life, protecting the Earth, ensuring our security through the country’s unique strengths in specific and defence and furthering international coopera- areas, has enabled Germany, both within ESA and in tion. Space activities, as the European Commission other international cooperation, to assume leading put it in its Europe 2020 communication, provide us positions as is the case in Earth observation, for exam- with “the tools to address some of the key global chal- ple, or in the new field of laser communications. lenges”. As we enter a new decade, the German space In the last decade, the German space sector has sector is facing a fresh set of challenges: achieved a number of significant successes. Each time an Ariane launcher lifts off from the launch pad, 3 International competition in space is set to in it does so with a substantial amount of vital hardware crease. Leading spacefaring nations such as the on board made in Germany. At the same time, German United States, Russia, France and Japan will seek satellite technology enables us to see with greater to defend their positions while, in addition, coun- clarity what is happening on Earth and in space, while tries such as China, India and South Korea are Germany’s space scientists are among the very best driving ahead in specific areas, thereby bringing the world has to offer. Today, Germany can lay claim increased competition. Against this background, to competitive industrial and research structures Germany’s space sector will be forced, more than in the space domain. ever, to focus on its key strengths of reliability, 4 1. Introduction: setting the stage for Germany’s space strategy quality and price, and on those areas where tech- nologically it has something unique to offer. In this respect, SMEs have, in addition to the large system integrators, an absolutely essential role to play. 3 At the same time, the environment in Europe with regard to space has changed dramatically. In addition to ESA, the EU too is now developing its own space policy initiatives, having obtained explicit powers in this area under the Lisbon Treaty. The current major projects, Galileo (for satellite navigation) and GMES (Global Monitor ing for Environment and Security) mark the start of EU involvement in the exploitation of space. In future, collaboration between ESA