- May 20, 2025
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- May 20, 2025
On May 20, 2025, the Aspen Institute Germany in cooperation with Telefónica Germany will host a “Digital Dish” event on the topic “Orbiting The Future: Navigating Space, Security, and Innovation.” Since the release of Germany’s National Space Strategy in September 2023 — and the recognition of space as critical infrastructure — public discourse on its strategic importance has intensified. As a new space race accelerates, space is no longer just a domain of exploration but a vital pillar of national security. This raises pressing questions: How should the public and private sectors collaborate to drive space-based innovation? Should Germany pursue deeper European cooperation, or is a more sovereign approach the way forward? Meanwhile, the rapid advancement of AI introduces complex challenges, from the role of AI-driven decision-making in space operations to the ethical and security implications of autonomous technologies. At the same time, growing space activity fuels concerns about sustainability, increasing orbital congestion and space debris. As Germany navigates these opportunities and risks, the debate continues—how should policymakers balance sustainability with the drive for technological and economic leadership in space? Aspen Germany is pleased to welcome the following speakers: Marco-Alexander Breit, Deputy Director General Aerospace, Maritime Industry, Security and Defence Industries at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE); Katharina Will, Director Political and Public Affairs, OHB System AG; Matthias Wachter, Managing Director at NewSpace Initiative, Head of Department International Cooperation, Security Policy, Raw Materials and Space at The Federation of German Industries (BDI); Klaus-Peter Willsch, Member of the German Bundestag (CDU/CSU). The discussion will feature welcome remarks from Marina Grigorian, Government Relations and Legal and Corporate Affairs at Telefónica Germany, and will be moderated by Andrea Rotter, Head of Division, Foreign and Security Policy at the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
