The coalition agreement classifies space travel as a future and key technology. Find out what steps are planned in this area.
Space and space travel have recently gained renewed importance on many levels – from the economy and (cyber) security to science and research. Numerous private companies have started setting up new satellite networks in non-geostationary orbits in recent years. This is making internet access possible even in remote parts of the world. Since the first private space rocket from Germany was launched in Norway, the topic has also gained broader awareness and increased covered media coverage in Germany. This is nothing new, however: In September 2023, the former Traffic-Light Coalition Government recognised the importance of this subject and presented a national space strategy for Germany. This space strategy adopted by the last Federal Cabinet focuses in particular on private-sector initiatives in space travel as well as on sustainability and combating climate change.
Space travel as a future and key technology: expansion of the national space programme and announcement of a space security strategy
The CDU/CSU and SPD government elected in 2025 intends to build on this and classifies space travel in the coalition agreement as a future and key technology and as central to security and military capabilities. The importance of space travel is underlined by a new Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
There are plans to launch an aerospace initiative. In the coalition agreement, the CDU/CSU and SPD government announces its intentions to expand the national space programme and publish a national space security strategy. The aim is to eliminate Germany's deficit in strategic security research and to decisively and rapidly expand Germany's defence capabilities in space, which play an important role in national security. The coalition agreement specifies a timeframe for the national space security strategy: It is to be published in the first year of the government's term. The previous government had also sought to develop such a national space security strategy to complement the national space strategy.
Strengthening start-ups and the space industry
There are plans to strengthen Germany's space industry as a whole. In this context, the new government has also promised to promote start-ups and SMEs in the market for space solutions. The state should act as a client here. The aim is to successfully combine cutting-edge research and commercialisation. This also presents great opportunities for the private sector. The German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) has described the coalition agreement as a "strong commitment to Germany as an aerospace location".
Essential earth observation and communication capabilities
The coalition agreement describes specific earth observation and communication capabilities, such as Galileo and IRIS2, as essential. Galileo is an EU-funded navigation satellite and timing system. With the "Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite" – IRIS2 for short – the EU is planning a multi-orbital constellation consisting of almost 300 satellites that will enable comprehensive internet coverage and will secure connectivity. In line with this, according to the coalition agreement, the government wants to establish a resilient satellite infrastructure (including for crisis communication and internet connectivity) and create independent capacities for launching satellites into space from Europe.
Further space-related measures in the coalition agreement
The coalition agreement also includes the goal of sending a German astronaut to the moon as part of an international mission. In April 2025, robotics researcher Rabea Rogge became the first German woman to go into space. Some of the other space-related measures announced in the coalition agreement include:
- efforts to organise European space activities more efficiently,
- strengthening the European Space Agency (ESA),
- increasing Germany's contribution to the ESA Ministerial Council to be held in Bremen later this year,
- Germany's involvement in a succession solution for the ISS,
- support for the launch vehicle sector, a launch platform in the North Sea and the ESA Moon Control Centre.
Overall, the coalition agreement emphasises the importance of the subject of space and space travel for the private sector and industry as well as for Germany's security and independence and for technological progress.
