This is the programme for the 2024 Munich New Space Summit. We will update the programme constantly.
FROM LAB TO ORBIT TO EARTH: TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER WITHIN NEW SPACE Master of Ceremony: Emma Gatti (Editor in Chief, SpaceWatch.Global) | |
| 11:00 | Registration |
| 13:00 | Welcome and Opening Speaker: Michael Meurer (Chairman of the Executive Board, Munich Aerospace) |
| 13:15 | Keynote Speech Europe is Reaching for the Stars Speaker: Marie-Christine von Hahn (Principal Managing Director, BDLI) |
| 13:45 | Round Table Discussion Europe’s Space Ambitions: A Dialogue on Our Competitive Edge Moderator: Hermann Ludwig Moeller (Director, European Space Policy Institute, ESPI) Jean-Marc Astorg (Strategy Director, CNES) Miriam Grigg (Deputy Director, International, Resilience and Regulation of the Space Directorate, DSIT UK) Slobodan Danko Bosanac (President Adriatic Aerospace Association) The round table discussion titled "Europe's Space Ambitions: A Multisectoral Dialogue on Our Competitive Edge" will convene representatives from various European space agencies and policymakers to examine and strategize on maintaining and enhancing Europe's position in the global space arena. The dialogue will focus on aligning national and regional objectives to create a cohesive and ambitious space strategy. Key themes will include fostering innovation through public-private partnerships, leveraging advanced technologies to stay ahead of global competitors, and ensuring sustainable and ethical space practices. Participants will discuss the importance of robust regulatory frameworks, increased funding and investment, and the role of international collaborations in achieving long-term goals. Through an exchange of insights and best practices, the session aims to outline actionable steps to strengthen Europe's competitive edge in the space sector, ensuring that it remains a leader in space exploration, technology, and commercial activities. |
| 14:30 | Round Table Discussion Charting Europe´s Path: Strengthening Leadership in the New Space Era Moderator: Manuel La Rosa Betancourt (CEO & Cofounder, Neutron Star Systems) Ernst Pfeiffer (CEO, HPS) Thomas Sinn (CEO & Founder, DCUBED) Jörn Spurmann (CCO, RFA) Enrique Fraga (General Manager Space Systems, GMV) Giampiero di Paolo (CEO, THALES ALENIA Space Italy) In this dynamic roundtable session at the Munich New Space Summit, leaders from across the spectrum of the European space industry—representing major corporations, SMEs, startups, and scale-ups—will come together to explore strategies for bolstering Europe’s position in the rapidly evolving New Space economy. This discussion will address key challenges and opportunities, including innovation, collaboration, policy, and investment. Participants will share insights on how to foster a vibrant ecosystem that supports growth, drives technological advancements, and ensures Europe's leadership on the global stage. Join us for an engaging dialogue that aims to shape the future of space endeavors in Europe. |
| 15:15 | Coffee Break |
| 16:00 | Keynote Speech The Vital Role of Science and Research in Advancing New Space Speaker: Eva-Maria Kern (President, University of the Bundeswehr Munich) |
| 16:15 | Round Table Discussion Creating Synergies for Mutual Success: The Relationship between Research and New Space Startups Moderator: Julia Brase (System and technology consulting, Galileo Competence Center) Clemens Kaiser (Chief Program Officer, Rivada) Rafaela Kraus (Vice President, UniBw) Cornelis (Niels) Eldering (Head of Business Incubation and LabNet, ESA) Malcolm Macdonald (Professor and Chair of Applied Space Technology, University of Strathclyde Glasgow) Florian David (Director Institute of Communications and Navigation, German Aerospace Center, DLR) Peter Platzer (CEO and Founder, Spire Global) The round table discussion, titled "Creating Synergies for Mutual Success: The Relationship between Research and New Space Startups”, aims to explore the dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between scientific research and new space startups. This session will delve into how these entities can collaborate effectively, identify potential synergies, and highlight the benefits each can gain from the other. The discussion will provide insights into technology transfer, startup incubation, and how research institutions can utilize data and services from new space startups to enhance their work. |
| 17:00 | Round Table Discussion Beyond Boundaries: New Space Missions and Earthly Applications – Fostering Science-Industry Collaboration Moderator: Gisela Detrell (Professor Human Spaceflight Technology, Technical University of Munich) Nanja Strecker (Co-Lead ETH Zürich, Managing Director, ESA BIC Switzerland) Gerhard Kramer (Chair of Communications Engineering & Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation, Technical University of Munich) Peter Gräf (Director Applications and Science, German Space Agency at DLR) Alexander Choukér (Head of the research laboratory “Stress and Immune System” & Professor in Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München) The round table discussion titled "Beyond Boundaries: Deep Space Missions and Earthly Applications - Fostering Science-Industry Collaboration" will bring together scientists, industry experts, and policymakers to explore the symbiotic relationship between new space exploration and terrestrial technological advancements. This dialogue will focus on how breakthroughs achieved in deep space missions can be leveraged to address challenges on Earth, such as in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and advanced manufacturing. Participants will discuss the importance of fostering robust collaborations between the scientific community and industry to accelerate innovation and drive economic growth. The session aims to highlight successful case studies of science-industry partnerships, identify emerging opportunities for collaboration, and outline strategies for enhancing the transfer of space-derived technologies to commercial markets. By bridging the gap between space exploration and industrial applications, this discussion seeks to unlock new potentials for societal benefit and economic development. |
| 17:45 | Keynote Speech Unlocking the Potential of Space Technology for Life Sciences Speaker: Markus Lerch (Professor of Medicine, Physician-in-Chief & CEO, LMU Kliniken) |
| 18:15 | Round Table Discussion Exploration is Human: Medical Aspects in New Space Moderator: Alexander Choukér (Academic director and clinical specialist in Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilian’s University, Munich) Chris Rapley (Department of Earth Sciences, University College London) Angelique van Ombergen (Team Lead for Human Exploration Science, ESA) Peter zu Eulenburg (Professor for structural and functional neuroimaging, Ludwig-Maximilian’s University, Munich) Thomas Reiter (Former astronaut & ESA Interagency Coordinator and Advisor to the Director General) Judith-Irina Buchheim (Anesthesiologist & Clinician Scientist, Ludwig-Maximilian’s University, Munich) Markus Häuser (CEO Space Cooperative Europe SCE) The round table discussion titled "Exploration is Human – The Challenges and Translational Opportunities of Crewed Missions Beyond LEO" will feature an engaging format where candidates pitch their perspectives and then join the round table for an in-depth discussion. This session will focus on the unique challenges and opportunities associated with crewed missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Topics will include the technical and physiological hurdles of long-duration space travel, life support systems, radiation protection, and the psychological impact on astronauts. The discussion will also highlight the translational benefits of these missions, such as advancements in medical technologies, materials science, and robotics, that can be applied to terrestrial industries. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, the session aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of how human space exploration can drive innovation and yield practical benefits for life on Earth. |
| 19:00 | Shuttle to Munich “Residenz” |
| 20:00 | Bavarian State Reception at Munich „Residenz“ |
| 22:00 | Shuttle back to Science Congress Center (on demand) |
THE NEW SPACE “ECONOSPHERE”: BRIDGING SPACE AND NON-SPACE INDUSTRIES Master of Ceremony: Emma Gatti (Editor in Chief, SpaceWatch.Global) | |
| 09:00 | Keynote Relevance of Space for military use Speaker: Vice-admiral Thomas Daum (Inspekteur Cyber- und Informationsraum, Federal Armed Forces, Bundeswehr) |
| 09:30 | Round Table Discussion Securing Europe’s PNT in the New Space Era: Addressing Threats and Ensuring Sovereignty and Resilience Moderator: Stefano Ferreri (Director Consulting Services, CGI) Major general Michael Traut (Commander of German Space Command, Federal Armed Forces, Bundeswehr) Marc Wietfeld (CEO, ARX Robotics) Michael Meurer (Head of Department-Institute for Communication and Navigation, DLR & Chairman of the Executive Board of Munich Aerospace) This round table discussion will gather experts from the fields of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, cybersecurity, defense, and New Space technologies to address the critical issues surrounding PNT security in Europe. Key topics will include: |
| 10:15 | Round Table Discussion Space – Non Space – Secure Connectivity Solutions Moderator: Bärbel Deisting (Director of Space and Space Applications, bavAIRia e.V.) Oliver Wick (Senior Technology Scout, BMW) Luigi Scatteia (Partner Space Practice Global Lead, PwC France) Declan Ganley (Chairman & CEO, Rivada Networks) Andreas Knopp (Chair of Signal Processing, University of the Bundeswehr Munich) Eva Schmid (Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH, dena) Teodora Secara (Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, ESA) The round table discussion titled "Space – Non Space – Secure Connectivity Solutions" will feature distinguished speakers from space and non-space sectors and from industry as well as academia. The session will highlight the potential for secure connectivity solutions integrating space technologies and data and will discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating seamless and secure communication systems bridging space and non-space sectors. In particular, the panel will address the integration of satellites and 5G networks, the role of secure communications in connected and autonomous vehicles, and the importance of robust connectivity for smart infrastructure and energy management. The panel will explore and discuss how the needs of non-space sectors look like and how these needs can be taken up. The discussion aims to highlight innovative approaches, potential collaborations, and strategic frameworks to advance secure connectivity solutions essential for modern society's digital transformation. |
| 11:00 | Coffee Break |
| 11:45 | Round Table Discussion Expanding Horizons: Enhancing European Access to Space with Innovative Launch Solutions” Moderator: Antonio Accettura (Senior Project Manager, AZO) Pierre Godart (CEO, Ariane Group GmbH) Jörn Spurmann (CCO, Rocket Factory Augsburg) This round table discussion will bring together key players in the European space launch industry to explore the current state and future prospects of European access to space. Representatives from ArianeGroup, Isar Aerospace, HyImpulse, and Vega will share insights into their unique approaches to launch services, technological innovations, and strategic visions. The session will delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by European launch providers, the role of public-private partnerships, and the impact of European Space Agency (ESA) initiatives on the industry. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these companies are shaping the future of space exploration and satellite deployment in Europe, fostering greater collaboration and competitiveness on the global stage. |
| 12:30 | Panel Session Strategic Alliances: Industry Transformation through Space-Driven Synergies Moderator: Daniela Dobreva-Nielsen (Bogdan Orbit GmbH) Alexander Philipp (Managing Director, Rohde & Schwarz) Jan Stoeber (Head of Future Programmes, Helsing) Alexander Genzel (COO, Reflex Aerospace) Reinhard Blasi (Acting Head of Communication, EUSPA) Adrian Zevenbergen (CEO, European Space Imaging, EUSI) Andres Martinez (Head of Sales & Strategy, Telespazio Germany) The panel session will explore the transformative potential of strategic alliances among established non-space industries, space and new space players, and the Federal Armed Forces. Through leveraging space-driven synergies, these collaborations are advancing automation, efficiency, and sustainability across diverse sectors. Panelists will discuss the role of space technologies in reshaping industries and allowing a more interconnected and autonomous world. They will also emphasize the significance of strategic partnerships in driving industry-wide transformation. |
| 13:15 | Lunch |
| 14:15 | Keynote Inspiring the Future: Empowering Startups, Students, and the New Space Generation Speaker: Cornelis (Niels) Eldering (Head of ESA Business Incubation and ΦLabNet, European Space Agency) |
| 14:45 | Pitching Session Celestial Opportunities: New Space Startups Meet Investors Moderator: Florian Dötzer (Managing Director, TUM Venture Labs) Joram Völklein (Founding Partner, Alpine Space Ventures) Hélène Huby (Co-Founder & CEO, The Exploration Company) The pitching session titled "Celestial Opportunities: New Space Startups Meet Investors" will feature dynamic five-minute presentations from cutting-edge space startups aimed at attracting investment and fostering partnerships. This industry-focused session provides a platform for emerging companies to showcase innovative technologies, business models, and market solutions that address various aspects of the space industry, including satellite services, launch systems, space exploration, and space-based applications. Investors will gain insights into the latest advancements and investment opportunities within the New Space economy, while startups will have the chance to connect with potential backers and strategic partners. The session aims to stimulate investment activity, encourage collaboration, and drive growth in the burgeoning space sector. |
| 16:15 | Coffee Break |
| 17:00 | Round table discussion Fuelling Innovation: Building Teams and Empowering Talents for Space Moderator: Anna Purkhauser (Manager, Novaspace) Thomas Sinn (CEO & Founder, DCUBED) Felix Kästner (Managing Director Germany, Space Founders) Daria Stepanova (CEO & Co-Foounder, Airmo) Benjamin Schwiewagner (Investment Director, Bayern Kapital) This round table discussion will explore the critical elements of team building and talent empowerment in the space industry. Key areas of focus include: |
| 18:00 | Exclusive Preview “Fortitude – Forging The Trillion Dollar Economy” Speaker: Torsten Hoffmann (3DCH Media, Producer and Filmmaker) Award-winning filmmaker Torsten Hoffmann (Netflix, Amazon) presents parts of the feature documentary "Fortitude - Forging The Trillion Dollar Economy" which is an exhilarating glimpse into the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of the New Space economy. He will share the most interesting stories producing this documentary over 3 years and on 4 continents with the likes of RocketLab, Planet, Voyager Space, the United Nations and the U.S. State Department. Through captivating visuals and his personal experience the audiences will be inspired by the resilience and creativity of those turning science fiction into science fact. |
| 18:30 | Dinner Speech |
| 20:00 | New Space Night Science Congress Center Munich |
SHAPING EUROPE’S NEW SPACE ERA: STRATEGIES, LEGAL FRAMEWORKS, AND EMERGING THREATS Master of Ceremony: Emma Gatti (Editor in Chief, SpaceWatch.Global) | |
| 09:00 | Keynote Speech The worst for New Space would be to become a standard Speaker: Jean-Jacques Dordain (former Director General of the European Space Agency, ESA) |
| 09:45 | Round Table Discussion Charting Europe’s Cosmic Future: Enhancing New Space Appeal Moderator: Gilles Rabin (Counselor for Space, French Embassy) Heriberto Salvidar (Head of Strategy Department, ESA) Sabine von der Recke (Board Member, OHB) Dennis Moore (CCO, Reflex Aerospace) Geralt Siebert (Vice President for Research, Young Scientists and Sustainable Development, University of the Bundeswehr Munich) The round table discussion titled "Charting Europe's Cosmic Future: Enhancing New Space Appeal Compared to the USA" will explore strategies to elevate Europe's position in the New Space sector. Industry leaders and policymakers will discuss regulatory frameworks, public-private partnerships, technological innovation, and funding mechanisms. This discussion aims to identify actionable steps to ensure Europe can compete with the dynamic growth seen in the U.S. space industry, shaping the future of Europe's space endeavors. |
| 10:30 | Round Table Discussion Evolution of European Space Laws: Burden or Facilitator for the Industry? Moderator: Ingo Baumann (Founding Partner and Lawyer, BHO Legal) Maxence Brischoux (Project Director Space, Ministry of Economy, France) Atika Thomson (Space Policy Lead, UK Civil Aviation Authority) Bianca Lins (Legal Officer, Principality of Liechtenstein) This year´s Legal Session, organized and moderated again by BHO Legal, will focus on regulations of commercial space activities. Numerous European countries are reviewing and updating their existing national space laws, while others are working on preparing such legislation for the first time. In addition, the European Commission is working on their proposal for an EU Space Law, which would harmonize at least certain aspects of the national space laws of the Member States and would potentially even apply to non-EU operators providing services within the EU. Representatives from national ministries and regulatory authorities will provide insights on the regulatory frameworks in their countries and discuss how the European and national law should evolve in view of increasing threats to space safety, sustainability and security. |
| 11:15 | Coffee Break and Snacks |
| 12:00 | Fireside Chat State-of-play of the Space Insurance Market and Impacts for the European New Space Industry Moderator: Ingo Baumann (Founding Partner and Lawyer, BHO Legal) Speaker: Hendrik Baumann (Senior Underwriter Space, Munich Re) The space insurance market is in crisis. Some insurance underwriters quit the sector, reduce their coverage and tighten their criteria for risk assessment. Premiums for space asset insurance have increased considerably. In this Fireside Chat, Hendrik Baumann from MunichRe Space Insurance gives insight in the current market situation and reflects the impacts on the European NewSpace players. The chat will be moderated by Dr Ingo Baumann, partner at BHO Legal. |
| 12:30 | Round Table Discussion New Space Threats to Europe – Are we Well Prepared? Moderator: tbd Rafaela Kraus (Vice President, University of the Bundeswehr Munich / SpaceFounders) Pierre Godart (CEO, Ariane Group GmbH) Florian Dötzer (TUM Venture Lab “European Defence Hub”, Managing Director) The round table discussion titled "New Space Threats to Europe - Are We Well Prepared?" will gather experts from the defense, space, and cyber domains to evaluate Europe's preparedness in facing emerging threats. This session will address the interconnected nature of modern security challenges, including cyber attacks, space-based threats, and hybrid warfare. Speakers will discuss the current state of Europe’s defense capabilities, the vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure, and the strategies needed to enhance resilience. Emphasis will be placed on fostering cross-domain collaboration, developing advanced technologies for threat detection and response, and ensuring robust policy frameworks. By examining the readiness of Europe to counter these evolving threats, the discussion aims to identify gaps and propose actionable solutions to safeguard European security in an increasingly complex global landscape. |
| 13:15 | Pitching Session New Space Disruptions: Pioneering Technologies and Processes Moderator: Agnieszka Łukaszczyk (Founder and CEO, hiALtitude Consulting) Oren Smith-Carpenter (CEO; Aurora Avionics) This pitching session will spotlight groundbreaking advancements in New Space technologies and engineering. Participants will present cutting-edge innovations and processes that are redefining the landscape of space exploration and commercialization. Key topics will include: |
| 14:00 | Closing & Adjourn Speaker: Andreas Lermann (Managing Director, Munich Aerospace) |