Wed 6-8 pm, University of Bonn, Lecture Hall VII, Main Building University of Bonn

The space-based infrastructure around our planet performs a wide range of extremely important tasks that are indispensable for the functioning of ultra-modern industrial societies. This applies not only to the faultless functioning of energy supply, ATMs, navigation or stock exchange trading: without the data obtained via satellites, global trends and regional consequences of climate change are also much more difficult to record. Ensuring the reliable and sustainable functioning of this space-based infrastructure is thus vital for the survival of human civilization in many respects. At the same time, the importance of space for humanity goes beyond the mere use of satellites for political, economic, scientific or military purposes, as illustrated by concrete initiatives to develop space tourism or astro-mining, government plans for a prestigious return of man to the Moon, or private sector activities to colonize Mars. 

In parallel, as dependence on space resources increases, so does the potential to exert influence on people, institutions, systems, and states dependent on them through their strategic technological control. The responsible federal ministries therefore see space as a key strategic field for the future. One of Germany's strategic goals in space is to preserve for future generations the long-term usability of this fifth spatial sphere of human existence alongside land, water, air and cyberspace. 

In view of the emergence of a global space industry, patchy legalization and increasing securitization of outer space, this extremely important yet difficult undertaking must be pursued under very special conditions in the context of a Space Race 2.0. Studies also make clear that German and European dependence on space-based infrastructure for communications, data collection and crisis response is likely to increase even further in the foreseeable future. In view of this comprehensive and complex development, Germany and Europe are well advised to prepare themselves for a more competitive and conflict-ridden space situation in order to avoid falling behind in astropolitical terms, for example in relation to the active space powers China and Russia.

The lecture series aims to address essential core areas of space as an economic, living and competitive space in the 21st century with lectures by experts and, in the subsequent discussions, to contribute to strengthening the public debate on the strategic future topic of space in Germany.

In close cooperation with:

Astropolitik. Die neue strategische Rivalität im Weltraum

April 26, 2023 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Lecture Hall VII, University of Bonn Main Building

PD. Dr. Antje Nötzold
Research Associate at the Chair of International Politics, TU Chemnitz
Associate Fellow, CASSIS