Union considers space missiles from Germany to be indispensable

The Union considers German space missiles indispensable in the future – and also relies on private companies. “With regard to the future of European security architecture, we cannot do without the technology developed here and the start of the rocket from a location in continental Europe,” said the Vice-Group leader of the Union faction, Johann WadePhul, the star.

“Since aerospace always has a security component, Europe is doing well to become more independent of the United States here.”

Previously, the start of the “Spectrum” racers produced almost exclusively in Germany in Norway had been launched on Sunday afternoon. It was the first flight for the Bavarian start-up “Isar Aerospace” and at the same time the first start of an orbital carrier rocket in continental Europe. Among other things, the rocket will promote satellites into space in the future.

The first flight ended after around 30 seconds with a crash. However, this was expected and is the rule with such complex rocket systems, similar to Elon Musk it started with SpaceX.

WadePhul, who is under discussion as a member of the cabinet under Friedrich Merz, therefore emphasized the necessary further research in this area: “If we want to be competitive as a technology and development location, we have to significantly add significantly in key industries such as space travel.”

Companies such as SpaceX of Tesla reasons Elon Musk and Blue Origin from Amazon reasons Jeff Bezos had shown in the United States “how successful private capital could be in researching space and as a partner of the state space authority,” said WadePhul.

Around 13,000 satellites are now on the road. They enable TV broadcasts, ensure weather radar images or more precise navigation systems to the establishment of internet connections in war situations or to disrupt enemies. Most satellites now belong to Elon Musk’s Starlink network: Over 7,000 Starlink satellites, for example, enable internet broadband connections.

Europe has its own satellite programs such as Copernicus, but the rocket starts are usually dependent on outside help. In 2024, 150 rockets started in the United States, around 70 in China and just three in Europe. In the past, the United States and Russia in particular helped at rocket starts.

Due to the ever worse relationships with the United States and the war of Russia against Ukraine, Europe is now aiming for more independence. At least the start of the European new large rocket Ariane 6 finally succeeded. In 2025, the Ariane rocket is scheduled to bring satellites into orbit five times. Soon, other German start-ups could also follow the “Spectrum” rocket.