European hub for secure satellite communications to be built in Cologne

Photo courest of Wix

On 16 June 2026, a groundbreaking ceremony at the Cologne site of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) marked the start of construction of a central European hub for secure satellite communications. The GOVSATCOM (Governmental Satellite Communications) Hub will play a central role in the security of Germany and Europe by consolidating sensitive communication services for authorities and emergency responders.

"In times of crisis and change, Europe must be able to rely on communication systems that remain operational even when terrestrial networks are disrupted. GOVSATCOM is far more than a technical programme – it is a strategic investment in the resilience and future of Europe," says Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board. "The fact that one of two central EU hubs is being established here at DLR highlights our key role in shaping a sovereign and crisis-resilient European space infrastructure. The DLR site in Cologne has established itself as an important aerospace centre alongside the European Space Agency, the scientific community and industry. This investment will significantly advance the development of Space Hub Cologne and create new opportunities for technological progress, collaboration and sustainable growth at the site." Stéphane Beemelmans, Deputy Chair of the DLR Executive Board, adds: "By establishing the GOVSATCOM Hub in Cologne, DLR is impressively demonstrating its ability to take responsibility for strategic space projects."

Focus on sovereignty and protection

Space is increasingly regarded as a fundamental pillar of European security architecture, with satellites playing a decisive role in information and communications. Through the new Hub in Cologne, Germany is taking a leading position in the development of a sovereign and resilient European infrastructure. The new building will host 'pooling and sharing' – the efficient interconnection of service providers and users for government and sensitive applications.

Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space, emphasises: "The GOVSATCOM Hub stands for technological excellence, European cooperation and the ability to sustainably strengthen our security and operational capacity in the digital age. Germany and Europe are equipping themselves with sovereign access to satellite communications to remain capable of acting in crisis and emergency situations. At the same time, the project strengthens Germany's position as a space hub, fosters innovation and creates future-proof jobs."

Strong collaboration between the EU, federal government and state

The new construction project is based on an agreement between the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (Bundesministerium Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt; BMFTR) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). NRW is supporting this major strategic project with an investment of up to 50 million euros. The Cologne hub will be one of two central European hubs under the EU space programmes for government and commercial satellite communications. It thus forms an essential building block for the European GOVSATCOM programme and the IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) constellation.

"The GOVSATCOM Hub in Cologne is an important building block for Europe's ability to act in crisis situations. It strengthens secure satellite communications in Europe and helps to ensure that governments, public authorities and emergency responders can communicate reliably and independently even during crises. This is particularly crucial at the moment, with the war in Ukraine, hybrid threats and attacks on critical infrastructure. North Rhine-Westphalia is thereby making a concrete contribution to greater security, resilience and technological sovereignty in Europe," says Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine Westphalia, adds: "The GOVSATCOM Hub in Cologne is both a security gain for Europe and a signal of North Rhine-Westphalia’s position as a business location. Sovereignty in the digital age requires infrastructure that continues to function when terrestrial networks fail – whether during natural disasters, cyberattacks or geopolitical crises. North Rhine-Westphalia is already a leading space location, and with this hub we are taking responsibility for strengthening the resilience of Europe as a whole."

Secure, resilient satellite communications for Europe

Through the GOVSATCOM programme, the European Union ensures that public authorities and emergency responders can communicate reliably and securely via satellite – for example, during natural disasters, in crisis-affected areas, for monitoring sea or land borders, during operations outside European territory or for diplomatic missions.

Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), adds: "EUSPA, the EU Agency for the Space Programme, is responsible for the GOVSATCOM Hub. By ensuring the hub's successful operation, we help deliver secure, resilient and cost-efficient satellite communications for security and safety-critical missions, as well as for official use by the EU and its Member States. We are delighted to contribute to the establishment of this strategic capability for the European Union."

The GOVSATCOM Hub in Cologne will connect government users with existing satellite resources and coordinate the secure provision of communication services. This will allow authorities and government emergency responders to remain operational even when conventional communication channels fail, are disrupted or become overloaded.

In parallel, the EU is developing the new IRIS² satellite constellation. It will consist of hundreds of satellites and enable high-performance, secure communications – including in regions without terrestrial network coverage. In future, IRIS² services are also set to be made available via the GOVSATCOM Hub.