In this blog post, I am looking at Europe's future in space by analyzing three different key documents published recently: ESA's Strategy 2040, the Draghi report on EU competitiveness, and the proposed EU Space Act. The European Space Agency (ESA) has unveiled its Strategy 2040, a comprehensive vision that sets the course for Europe’s role in space over the next 15 years. The strategy is structured around five overarching goals, each with specific objectives aimed at ensuring Europe’s leadershi…
[German version below] Germany’s New Space Strategy: Opportunities for Economy, Security, and Research Yesterday, the CDU won the German parliamentary election, marking a significant political shift that will also impact the future of German space policy. The position paper by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group published end of January 2025, titled “Space as an Opportunity”, provides insight into the plans of the CDU. It outlines how Germany can strengthen its position in global space activities…
Today marks a pivotal moment in U.S. history as presidential power transitions to the newly elected President. As this significant political change takes place, our focus turns to the future of initiatives spearheaded by the outgoing administration, including the executive order issued on 16 January 2025, titled Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity. This order focuses on bolstering the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, particularly space systems. The conti…
The World's First Wooden Satellite and its Sustainability Potential As a DIY guy and hobby carpenter in love with wood I was fascinated reading about the first wooden satellite that made it to space and even to the ISS! Here are my thoughts: A New Chapter in Sustainable Space Technology The world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on November 5, 2024. This innovative project, developed by researchers at Kyoto University in partnership with Sumi…
THE Aerospace LÄND – The Aerospace Strategy of Baden-Württemberg [German version below] Baden-Württemberg, known as the "Ländle" or more recently "The Länd," has established itself as a leading aerospace hub. With its new strategy, the state aims to expand its strengths in research and industry, with a focus on sustainability, digitalization, and cooperation to ensure both national and international competitiveness. Around 16,000 employees generate over €5 billion in the aerospace sector. The…