Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg demand more money for space travel!

Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg demand more money for space travel!

On June 5, 2025, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Bremen are calling for German investments to be increased to the European Space Organization (ESA) and the national space travel. In recent years, the amount of budgets in the federal budget for space projects has been perceived as inadequate. The annual transfer of the federal government to the ESA in the past was around 900 million euros. In addition, the national space travel received an additional third of this amount annually.

critics agree that these funds are not sufficient to ensure a competitive German space travel. During the red-green coalition, Germany's contribution rose to over one billion euros, which made Germany the largest contribution payer among the ESA countries. Nevertheless, there is a risk of renewed reduction in the ESA contribution, which further increases the concerns.

The role of the ESA

The European Space Organization (ESA) was founded 50 years ago at a time when the United States and the Soviet Union were the leading nations in space travel. The aim of the foundation was to bundle European forces and to secure Europe in space. The member states have hope of creating economic impulses and growing prosperity through space travel. Today the ESA has 23 member states, including Germany, France and Italy. Canada is involved in a cooperation agreement, while other countries such as Bulgaria and Croatia have cooperation agreements with the ESA.

The headquarters of the ESA is located in Paris, whereby there are other important centers in Darmstadt, Cologne and other cities. The organization currently employs around 2547 people from the member states. The estimated budget of the ESA for 2025 amounts to 7.68 billion euros and is financed by a compulsory program and optional programs in which the member states can participate.

challenges and success

The ESA has achieved numerous successes in its history, including the development of the Ariane launch, which has promoted over 800 satellites to space. In addition, the ESA operates the Copernicus program, which monitors data on the climate, environment and disaster and provides the public free of charge. With the start of a new satellite in April 2025, which is to measure the biomass of forests over five years, the importance of the ESA for sustainable development becomes clear.

increasingly also focuses on cyber security, since the organization manages 28 satellites with a total value of over 10 billion euros. A newly opened cyber security center in Darmstadt is intended to help recognize dangers at an early stage. The current general director Dr. Josef Aschbacher appeals for more independence and dynamics in European space. However, the role of the ESA in the next 50 years remains uncertain, while the peaceful use of space should continue to be in the foreground.

The discussion about financing and the strategic direction of the ESA is in full swing; It remains to be seen how the member states will react to the challenges.

For detailed information about the ESA and your role in European space travel, visit sueddeutsche.de , esa.int or zdfhute.de .