Germany’s first spaceport is set to begin operations in 2023, with regular rocket launches carrying small satellites into space from a floating platform in the North Sea. The German Offshore Spaceport Alliance (GOSA) announced plans to build the spaceport on a floating platform in 2020. A spokesperson for the consortium has now confirmed that the first launches are scheduled to take place this year, with the aim of starting regular operations in 2023. The launch site, located over 400 kilometers from the coast, has been chosen for its accessibility and suitability for reaching the orbits most in demand by customers.
The floating spaceport is designed to launch smaller rockets carrying small satellites into space. Four European rocket manufacturers, including the Bremen-based space company OHB, plan to use the local launch facility in 2023. The port will also serve as a base for a specialized ship that will allow companies to load their rockets with satellites on site. The project was initiated in 2019 by the Federation of German Industries (BDI), which called for a spaceport in Germany at its first space congress. The BDI cited the importance of space exploration to the German economy as the reason for the project.
Currently, German companies launch their satellites primarily from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The new spaceport is expected to significantly reduce costs for small satellites. The port will be located in Bremerhaven, but a specific location for the spaceport has not yet been determined.
In conclusion, the German Offshore Spaceport Alliance’s plan to build a floating spaceport in the North Sea is set to revolutionize the country’s space industry. With the first launches scheduled for this year and regular operations set to begin in 2023, the spaceport will provide a cost-effective and accessible launch site for small satellites. The project is a testament to the growing importance of space exploration to the German economy and its commitment to advancing the field.
