ESA boss Aschbacher: “A second race into space”


An this Friday morning at 6:43 a.m., Matthias Maurer, the German ESA astronaut, landed back on Earth after a long stay on the International Space Station. The most suitable lecture for this event was therefore held in the satellite room of the trade fair. FAZ science editor Sibylle Anderl spoke with Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) in Paris, about a topic that probably moves science like no other: the universe. “From Earth’s climate to distant icy moons: Europe’s vision for space” was the title of the discussion, which revolved around the utopias and dystopias that accompany exploring the universe, including developments in the international space sector, the most exciting research priorities and international cooperation, which is being severely tested by the Ukraine war.

A lot is happening in the space sector, was Aschbacher’s initial observation: “There is a new space euphoria. There are many innovations and new players investing in technology. The boom is still massive, especially in information technology.” Last year, more than $12 billion in private money was invested in space travel, which is a record-breaking figure. In comparison, the ESA invests only 7 billion euros. From his point of view, the state space agencies are increasingly developing into think tanks and actors with expertise that stimulate and also support the private space sector. There would even be a “second race in space” between the United States and China in particular.

Europe is doing well in this structure. As an important “but relatively small partner,” ESA works closely with NASA and others. Europe’s space sector has a lot of catching up to do. In particular, commercialization of space research and development is less advanced than in America.

An indication of possible life

A question that is often put to him is whether the money for space research is not being invested more sensibly in solving earthly problems. He replies that ESA has also geared many of its activities to combating climate change and creating energy and data security. “Space exploration is more integrated into our lives than many think.” The space agency also collects data on the Earth’s climate and develops strategies to combat climate change. Satellites are used to make measurements to understand the earth. “Without space travel, climate research would not have the current potential”.

Crisis regions are also monitored by satellites, and ESA supports military institutions with the European Data Relay System. There is research on photovoltaic systems in space that could make a lasting contribution to energy security in the future. From his point of view, the next step is the moon, because of its resources of raw materials. This is a focus of current activities. For the ESA, this celestial body is “just the most interesting in terms of raw materials”. In addition, the focus is currently on the preparation of the “Juice” mission to the icy moons of Jupiter. “We know that there are underground water resources on the icy moons. This is one of the prerequisites for possible life”. “A possibility that could shake us in our self-image,” counters Anderl.

Finally, Aschbacher, who has been in charge of ESA for a year, reports that every deployment of a European astronaut in space gets him excited, as is the case with Matthias Maurer: “One sleeps badly. Takeoffs and landings are always critical moments. And the joy when both are successful is all the greater. Nevertheless, space travel is still a dangerous undertaking.



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