The Bundeswehr, Germany’s military, plans to establish at least one satellite constellation by the end of the decade.
The news was first reported by Handelsblatt, a local media outlet. A network comprising several hundred satellites could cost up to ten billion euros.
Journalists contacted the Ministry of Defence, which confirmed the plans. However, the ministry declined to provide further details regarding the project’s cost or technical specifics, citing national security concerns.
Military operations are increasingly reliant on satellites. Given the current US administration’s stance on Ukraine and growing disagreements within Europe, many European countries are seeking ways to reduce their dependence on the US – whether by boycotting American-made goods or developing their own satellite networks.
While Elon Musk’s Starlink currently dominates the skies, competition is intensifying. China, for example, has ambitious plans to expand its Qianfan constellation from 18 satellites launched just last year to 14,000 by the end of the decade.
What does this mean for us? More space debris – some of which could, in theory, fall directly into your yard – and lead to dimmer skies for stargazers.
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