Economic authorities express doubts about the German space station
In the realm of space exploration, Germany is making significant strides in developing its sovereign space launch capabilities. However, the country does not currently have plans for a dedicated land-based launch site within its territory. Instead, German companies and agencies are focusing on international and maritime options, as highlighted in a recent study suggesting that the airport in Rostock-Laage could be suitable for rocket launches from an aircraft [1].
One of the most promising developments is the Sea-Based Launch Site in the North Sea. EuroSpaceport, a European consortium with strong ESA backing, is developing a floating launch platform called Spaceport North Sea. This innovative platform, based on a repurposed offshore wind turbine service vessel, will be anchored 50 to 100 km offshore in the North Sea. Poland’s SpaceForest is set to conduct a suborbital launch of its Perun rocket from this sea platform in late 2026, with ESA's support through its Boost Programme [1].
Germany's active involvement extends beyond the North Sea. German companies like Isar Aerospace are collaborating with Norway, aiming to enhance sovereign space access and security. Isar Aerospace has already launched from Norway’s Andøya Spaceport and plans to further expand access to space for Germany and European partners through foreign launch sites rather than German territory [4].
Other European sites, such as SaxaVord Spaceport in the UK (Shetland Islands) and French Guiana, are also on the radar for German launchers like Rocket Factory Augsburg and Isar Aerospace [3]. Germany allocates significant funding to national launchers but relies on using established or emerging European launch sites for orbital launches.
Despite the lack of a terrestrial spaceport within its own borders, the Federal Ministry of Economics is examining the feasibility and economic viability of a launch site for small rockets in the North Sea or on land [2]. However, no decision has been made regarding the construction of a German spaceport as of the time of the report.
Reinhard Houben, economic policy spokesman for the FDP parliamentary group, criticized the ministry's response as a stalling tactic, stating that the federal government does not seem to see a need for a spaceport and resorts to excuses and half-hearted statements [5].
This focus on European and maritime launch sites aligns with Germany’s goal to achieve independent, sovereign access to space through multinational and maritime facilities rather than through a domestic land-based site at this time. With three start-ups in Germany developing commercial small rockets, the stage is set for German companies to play a significant role in the European space industry [6].
Sources:
- Spaceport North Sea: A Floating Launch Platform in the North Sea
- Federal Ministry of Economics Examining Feasibility of a Launch Site for Small Rockets
- German Launchers Target Launches from SaxaVord Spaceport and French Guiana
- Isar Aerospace's Collaborations with Norway
- Criticism of the Federal Ministry of Economics' Response
- Three Start-ups in Germany Developing Commercial Small Rockets
The Federal Ministry of Economics in Germany is examining the feasibility of a launch site for small rockets in the North Sea, following the trend of focusing on international and maritime options for space launch capabilities. meanwhile, German companies like Isar Aerospace are collaborating with other industries, such as Norway, to enhance their sovereign space access and security, aligning with Germany’s goal to play a significant role in the European aerospace finance sector through multinational and maritime facilities.
