Space Tech in Bremen: Increasing competition
Leading representatives of the European space industry have been largely positive about the state of the sector. "The space industry is doing well, very well," said Marco Fuchs, CEO of satellite manufacturer OHB, at the Space Tech Expo Europe trade fair in Bremen. There are many new competitors. The entire industry is changing, said Fuchs.
We are in a rapidly growing market with new opportunities and new companies, said Pierre Godart, German head of the rocket manufacturer ArianeGroup. Marc Steckling, Head of Airbus Defense and Space in Bremen, said that there were problems with price increases and supply chains. But for almost 30 years, he had not seen so many opportunities for companies. Among other things, he referred to the planned European satellite constellation Iris2.
The largest trade fair of its kind in Europe
According to the information provided, more than 650 exhibitors will be represented at the multi-day Space Tech Expo Europe, with more than 6,200 trade visitors expected. In addition to the industry giants, start-ups such as Rocket Factory Augsburg and HyImpulse, which are working on small rockets known as microlaunchers, will also be represented. The organizer, the British company Smarter Shows, describes the trade fair as the largest of its kind in Europe.
An important topic is the recent space summit of the European Space Agency (Esa). At the beginning of the month, representatives of the 22 Esa countries met in Seville, Spain. One result: there should be more competition in the development of new launch vehicles than before.
On Tuesday, Walther Pelzer, member of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center, therefore spoke of a paradigm shift. This is something that has been advocated. Europe is in a launch vehicle crisis, said Pelzer. At present, the Vega C and the larger Ariane 6 are not yet operational. The fact that competition should be promoted more than before was an important result of Seville, said Bremen's Senator for Economic Affairs Kristina Vogt (Left Party) at the opening of the trade fair.
Why isn't SpaceX at the trade fair?
The topic of conversation at the show was the so-called geo-return. Funds from governments to Esa flow proportionally back to donor countries. "I personally believe in geo-return," said Steckling. The return allows countries to strengthen the space sector in a targeted manner. One disadvantage is that companies have to be selected for contracts that do not always meet the highest standards. Like other business representatives, Steckling spoke out in favor of an adjustment.
SpaceX, the US space company owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, was also discussed at the trade fair. He was asked why SpaceX was not at the trade fair. "I would love to have them here," said Godart.
Source: www.dpa.com
