The German government is mulling over a proposal from the Federation of German Industries (BDI) for the creation of a mobile satellite launchpad in the North Sea. The plan would see small satellites of up to one tonne being launched with German-built rockets.
Credit: SpaceX
While no specific site has been chosen as of yet, it would be within Germany's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The project, which is being lobbied for by the BDI, which represents large, medium and small companies across the country, would be a public-private partnership.
German media quote the BDI proposal as saying "a German launchpad is technically feasible and makes strategic and economic sense".
The digital economy relies heavily on the use of satellites, which makes space projects increasingly attractive for start-ups.
The launchpad proposal would involve three German start-ups including Isar Aerospace, based in Ottobrunn, near Munich, which is developing two-stage 27 metre (89 ft) rockets that it plans to begin launching next year.
One of Isar's advisers is Bulent Altan, one of the former vice presidents at SpaceX, the space services company led by Elon Musk.
The proposed platform would be not be for booster rockets of the kind used by the European Space Agency, but would be used for "mini-rockets".
Mini-rockets - compact satellites powered by low-cost, miniaturised electronics - are becoming increasingly popular. The problem thus far has been getting them into orbit.
Usually, these smaller rockets are taken in groups of 30 to 60 at a time into the upper atmosphere on larger rockets. What this means is that companies have to wait on the readiness of others and also going into orbits which represent a compromise, rather than the ideal orbit for the particular mission.
A launchpad based at sea is ideal because for those countries without a land area far away from population centres - such as Germany - it presents a safe solution in the event of an in-flight failure which would see the vehicle fall back down to Earth.
The BDI proposal suggests that the German government put forward and initial investment of around €30 million, after which it is envisaged the North Sea launchpad would become commercially profitable.
German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier has spoken favourably in the past about the prospect of Germany developing its own space launch facility.
Nonetheless, there have been reports in German media that the BDI plan could be a source of political friction with Germany's partners in Europe, for example Sweden, Norway and the EU itself, who have been reported to harbour similar ambitions.
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