Foundation stone laid for the DLR Galileo Competence Center in Oberpfaffenhofen
On May 14th 2025, an important milestone was reached for the Galileo Competence Center in Oberpfaffenhofen: the foundation stone was ceremoniously laid for the new building of the DLR Galileo Competence Center.
The new building will create the infrastructure to further advance research and development in the field of satellite navigation and strengthen Europe's independence.
A highly symbolic act
The laying of the foundation stone was emphasised by the insertion of a time capsule in the shape of a satellite. This symbolic gesture underlines the mission of the Competence Center to further improve the European satellite navigation system Galileo for the future. The ceremony was opened by DLR Executive Board Chairwoman Prof. Dr Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Bavarian Minister President Dr Markus Söder and Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. DLR Executive Board member Prof Karsten Lemmer and Head of Space Dr Anke Pagels-Kerp were also present as participants and panelists.
In her speech, Prof. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla emphasised the strategic importance of Galileo:
"Galileo is indispensable for European sovereignty and security. Especially today, Europe can be proud to have such a system."
She also underlined how important the contributions of the German government and the Free State of Bavaria are for the development of the Galileo Competence Center. At the well-established location of Oberpfaffenhofen, a further building block is being created for a space ecosystem that will drive forward the development of innovative technologies for future navigation satellite systems, in particular Galileo.
The laying of the foundation stone was attended by the Bavarian Minister President Dr Markus Söder and the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger. In their speeches, Minister President Söder and Minister of Economic Affairs Aiwanger emphasised the key role of space travel for the future of Europe. Minister President Söder spoke about the importance of the space cluster in Bavaria and the central role that DLR plays in this cluster with its technological expertise. Minister Aiwanger underlined the immense economic relevance of satellite navigation and its potential for new applications and business models. Both assured that Bavaria would continue to support space travel in the future.
With its employees and research facilities, the DLR site in Oberpfaffenhofen is one of the largest research Centers in the field of space in Germany. In addition to satellite navigation, the focus here is on space missions, climate research, earth observation and the development of new robotic systems. The addition of the Galileo Competence Center consolidates Oberpfaffenhofen's position as an important location for space technologies in Europe.
A look into the future
With the new Galileo Competence Center building, the DLR is underlining the central role of European satellite navigation for the future, and the investment in modern infrastructure and research capacities will help to secure Europe's technological sovereignty and provide innovative solutions for the challenges of global navigation from the planned move in 2027.
Further information on the groundbreaking ceremony can be found on the official DLR website:
You can watch the entire ceremony here:
Galileo Kompetenzzentrum Grundsteinlegung 14.5.2025
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