The GOVSATCOM hub
SPACEHUB COLOGNE. An outstanding space ecosystem is being created on a campus shared by DLR and Cologne/Bonn Airport. The joint GOVSATCOM project for secure satellite communications marks a milestone — for innovation, economic power and aerospace.
The establishment of the GOVSATCOM Hub of the IRIS² programme at Cologne/Bonn Airport is laying the foundation for secure European satellite communications of the future. This project strengthens Europe's strategic autonomy and the role of North Rhine-Westphalia, and in particular its position as a key region for aerospace and technological innovation.
The project is a joint initiative of the EU Commission, the German Federal Government, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), the European Space Agency (ESA) and Cologne/Bonn Airport. The aim is to create a highly secure European communications infrastructure that will sustainably strengthen Europe's autonomy in security-critical applications.
GOVSATCOM Hub: Key project for Europe's security
The European Commission's decision to locate the GOVSATCOM Hub in Cologne will create a central element for secure and resilient satellite communications in Europe. This is a significant milestone for space travel in North Rhine-Westphalia and confirmation of the strategic role played by Cologne/Bonn Airport. The facility will serve as a highly secure network node through which satellite-based communication services for security-critical applications will be provided and controlled. Authorities, disaster control organisations and other public institutions will have access to stable, resilient communication – even in crisis situations.
In addition, the GOVSATCOM Hub, which is being jointly promoted by the DLR as the project sponsor and Cologne/Bonn Airport, is expected to unlock further innovation potential: companies and start-ups are to settle around the GOVSATCOM Hub location at the airport, where they will find ideal conditions for research and future developments in the field of aerospace and satellite communications. This will strengthen North Rhine-Westphalia as a business and research location overall.
Statements on the establishment of GOVSATCOM
Cologne/Bonn Airport as an ideal location
The GOVSATCOM Hub marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cologne/Bonn Airport: a location that combines innovation, security and European cooperation. As a modern international commercial airport with excellent connections, comprehensive logistics expertise and existing aerospace infrastructure, the airport offers ideal conditions. The airport is providing a site in the southern part of its grounds for this purpose. A cross-functional project group with the DLR is managing the structural integration, logistical connections and infrastructure development.
Impressions from the SpaceTech.NRW space conference
Establishment of the GOVSATCOM Hub
The GOVSATCOM hub serves as a highly secure network node through which satellite-based communication services for security-critical applications are provided and controlled. It enables authorities, disaster control and other public institutions to communicate resiliently and without disruption – even in crisis situations.
Cologne/Bonn Airport provides the physical basis and logistical expertise for the project with its excellent international connections and modern infrastructure. A plot of land near the South Campus is being made available.
Cologne/Bonn Airport has an existing infrastructure and is strengthening its innovative power with the GOVSATCOM Hub. At the same time, it is consolidating its position as a leading international centre of excellence in the aerospace sector. The site is being developed in a forward-looking manner, strategically incorporating existing synergies and partnerships on the campus.
The partners undertake to promote the successful realisation of the GOVSATCOM hub through close coordination and cooperative collaboration. A cross-functional project group will be established to coordinate the structural and logistical integration of the hub at the site and to carry out detailed planning and implementation management.
