Space Diplomacy

Abstract

After the Cold War and the race in space, space activities increasing became a geopolitical arena of co-operation. This article is based on my personal experience gathered over fifteen years leading European space institutions: in 2007 I became the Chairman of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center. In that position I led the German delegation to the European Space Agency (ESA). From 2015 to 2021 I had the honour and pleasure of being the Director General of ESA. During the whole period from 2007 to today I have had various political interactions that developed my current mindset. Even in times of geopolitical difficulties we need some aspects of international interaction; space can play this role.