Bavaria’s Freie Wähler faction is pressing for a stronger state role in the commercial small-satellite market, backing a plan to make the region a leading European hub across the full value chain from research and development to production, integration, satellite data and applications. The policy push centres on industrial competitiveness, high-skill jobs and less bureaucracy for space-tech companies, with support aimed at Bavaria’s broader aerospace and New Space ecosystem.
The proposal includes a Bavarian small-satellite programme, more research funding, support for demonstration missions and better access to venture capital. It also calls for a dedicated investment fund for space start-ups, alongside stronger links between universities, research institutes and industry.
A further focus is the wider use of satellite data in public administration and business, reflecting Bavaria’s effort to turn space technology into a commercial and industrial asset rather than a purely scientific one. The plan comes as European regions compete to attract investment in New Space manufacturing and downstream services.