Access to space: Europe faces growing challenges in space transport
April 29, 2026 | Industrial Days 2026 at DLR's Lampoldshausen site
Access to space: Europe faces growing challenges in space transport
Keynote address on Europe's sovereign access to space at the Industrial Days 2026
Jens Franzeck, Chief Industrial Officer of ArianeGroup, delivering his keynote speech at the 13th Industrial Days at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen. The event focused in particular on securing independent European access to space, as well as the expansion of launch capabilities and space transport infrastructure.
Industrial Days – panel discussion on the future of space transport in Europe
With contributions from industry, research and institutional organisations, the programme reflected the diversity of the European space sector – from established system providers to new players in the New Space sector. From left: Enrico Cavallini, Italian Space Agency (ASI); Arne Gausepohl, European Spaceport Company; Victoria Strand, Swedish Space Corporation (SSC Space); Jon Harr, Andøya Spaceport (Norway); Anja Frank, DLR Institute of Space Propulsion; Robin Huber, SaxaVord Spaceport (UK); Helena Felixberger, moderator.
Tests with the complete Ariane 6 upper stage take place on ESA's P5.2 test bench, which was developed specifically for this purpose – a facility that is unique in Europe.
The 13th Industrial Days took place on 28 and 29 April at the DLR site in Lampoldshausen.
They are organised annually by the German Space Agency at DLR and the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion.
Key topics included Europe's independent access to space and strategic, technological and market-related challenges in space transport.
Focus: Space, space transport, launch systems, New Space
How can Europe ensure its access to space remains sovereign, safe and competitive in the long term? This key question was the focus of the 13th Industrial Days, which took place on 28 and 29 April 2026 at the Lampoldshausen site of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR). The event was jointly organised by the German Space Agency at DLR and the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion. Around 120 representatives from industry, politics, research and institutional organisations gathered there to discuss current challenges and prospects for European space transport.
Growing demand and changing market conditions in space transport
Global demand for launch services is growing rapidly. At the same time, geopolitical developments, new market players and technological innovations are fundamentally changing the basic conditions shaping access to space. It is already becoming clear that future demand for launch services cannot be fully met. Against this backdrop, strategic autonomy, reliable infrastructures and industrial capacity in Europe are of increasing importance.
Europe faces the challenge of reconciling increasing demand with limited launch capacity. Sovereign access to space is not just a technological issue, but a strategic prerequisite for scientific excellence, economic competitiveness and security policy capability. The Industrial Days make an important contribution to discussing the necessary strategic decisions together with all relevant stakeholders.
Space transport as a European task for sovereignty and value creation
The event addressed key action areas across the entire space transport value chain. Keynote speeches and panel discussions highlighted the strategic importance of independent European access to space and the requirements for launch and test facilities. To expand European launch capabilities, further development of these infrastructures is essential. Further focus was on the institutional framework for future space transport programmes, as well as new approaches and business models in the field of launch systems. Dependencies in industrial supply chains and their impact on Europe's ability to act were also discussed.
Lampoldshausen as a key location for European engine technology
DLR's site in Lampoldshausen plays a central role in European space exploration. As one of Europe's leading centres for rocket engine research and testing, Lampoldshausen boasts unique facilities and many years of expertise in all areas of propulsion technology. The technologies developed and tested here form an essential foundation for European launch systems such as Ariane 6 and play a key role in securing independent access to space. "With its unique test facilities and many years of experience, Lampoldshausen is a key component in the further development of European launch systems. In view of increasing demands and new players in space transport, high-performance and reliable test benches and test environments are crucial," said Stefan Schlechtriem, Head of the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion.
Exchange platform for Europe's space actors
The Industrial Days brought together experts from industry, research and public institutions to develop perspectives for European space transport and strengthen cooperation. Against a backdrop of growing demands for flexibility, availability and safety, it became clear that access to space is no longer merely a technical challenge – it is a strategic priority for Europe.
