Spaceflight is now at the very heart of society. It is strategically relevant – for science, technology, the economy and security policy. The war in Ukraine and other crises have shown us that we are living in a new era and that we must strengthen international cooperation, not weaken it. Here, too, space and space technologies play a key role. That is why we urgently need a new German space strategy that reflects current developments and circumstances. The Federal Government has recognised this and commissioned us to develop and prepare this new strategy. I would like to take this opportunity to mention some of the concepts that will play essential roles: New Space, commercialisation, sustainability, climate and environmental protection, space as critical infrastructure, security, strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum encryption, space policy, the strategic orientation of ESA, EU and German space programme, and the future of the launcher industry. This issue is of particular importance: with the launch of the last Ariane 5 expected in June 2023, a successful chapter in Europe’s independent access to space will come to an end. But until the first flight of Ariane 6, Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket, there will be a vacuum that we must fill as quickly as possible.

As always, I hope you enjoy reading this issue of COUNTDOWN.