NRW continues to establish itself as a strategic location for the European aerospace industry. Two new space projects are underway: SPACEHUB COLOGNE is creating a new space ecosystem in Cologne, and industrial satellite production is beginning in Neuss.
SPACEHUB COLOGNE serves as a platform for the development and operation of advanced space technologies. At its core is the GOVSATCOM Hub, part of the EU's IRIS2program, which aims to create secure and resilient satellite communications for the European Union. Specifically, this platform will be used as a highly secure network node for the provision and control of satellite-based communication services for safety-critical applications.
The new space ecosystem also includes a competence center for aerospace medicine on the DLR campus. In addition, partners in the vicinity of DLR's research and technology facilities will support the further development of the site with their expertise. This also includes potential start-ups and SMEs, which could settle on the DLR and airport campus in the future.
At the same time, Rheinmetall and ICEYE are building a joint production site for satellites in Neuss. These provide earth observation data regardless of the weather or time of day. The technology is considered essential for applications in the areas of disaster prevention, security and environmental monitoring. The joint venture is set to start production in 2026, creating job opportunities for highly qualified professionals in the region. It is also an example of the successful transfer of international research into industrial production.