Advertorial article from the Handelsblatt Journal Security and Defense
Mr. Kaiser, Germany is investing heavily in space and defense. Isn't that a bit late?
Not at all – even though we were waiting for it. It took massive geopolitical shifts for us to rediscover our strengths and leadership role and take the reins. The announcements from the German Federal Minister of Defense, as well as from the ESA, are clear: 35 billion euros over five years for space-based defense and more than 5 billion euros from Germany for the next three ESA program years. No one doubts anymore that space, defense, and security are closely intertwined. And that the dual use of space technologies – that is, the civilian and military use – is of equal value to both industry and the military.
Where should investments be made and with what priorities?
The protection and defense of our country and our population, the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure, and comprehensive connectivity are top priorities. The use of satellites for Earth, weather, and space observation, data communication reaching even the most remote corners of the world, the extremely reliable control of military systems, backups for vulnerable networks, and investments in architectures that are resistant to cyberattacks and accidents in space – all of this is of central importance and extremely urgent.
What's so new about that? Hasn't it always been like this?
What's new is the intense need for security in two respects: security against failures and security against attacks. On Earth and in space. We all know who wants to manipulate or sabotage our data and communication systems. Not to mention the threat of military activity in space. What's new is the urgency. We must act quickly, because security and peace in Europe are under threat.
What are Germany's strengths in space, and where do we need to improve?
We are champions in rocket and satellite construction. We have the best instruments for Earth observation. We have top-notch test sites, research, situation, and control centers. And we are a catalyst for European cooperation. Yet, we have often left commercialization and technological development to other countries. There is a lack of investors and investment here at home. The challenge is to expand our national technological and systems capabilities and anchor them sustainably within our industry.
What role should international investors play?
Additional private capital, combined with the generous funding from public sector clients, can lead to a sustainable expansion of the aerospace and defense industries. I am constantly asked by foreign partners how they can participate in this upswing. My answer is simple: Come to Germany and find the right partners. But policymakers must support this, not isolate it. What could be better for us than attracting capital from American investors? We need to think in terms of alliances and geopolitical cooperation, not in national silos.
What does Rivada Space Networks offer, and to whom?
Rivada Space Networks is based in Munich and uses a German commercial frequency spectrum. We are building the Outernet, a platform with 600 satellites that form an optical network in space via laser links. It can transmit data from any point on Earth to another without requiring terrestrial infrastructure. This guarantees an extremely high level of data security and data sovereignty. Furthermore, our system—as a "system of systems"—enables seamless interoperability between different infrastructures.
Outernet is thus aimed at governments, authorities, armed forces, and companies that need extremely secure and interoperable communication infrastructures. Defensible, resilient, and cooperative: This is tailor-made for the German government's new space security strategy.
