DLR GfR Wraps Up an Inspiring IAC 2024 in Milan

This year’s International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan has been a memorable and dynamic experience for the DLR GfR team. Our booth, proudly showcased as part of the German Pavilion—the largest country group at this year’s IAC—attracted numerous high-level visitors and engaged a vibrant international community, highlighting the importance of our work in satellite navigation, resilience, and the Galileo program.

Dynamic Interactions with Political Leaders and Aerospace Experts: Highlighting Our Role in the Galileo Program and Satellite Navigation Resilience

Throughout the week, we were honored by visits from leading representatives in aerospace and politics. We were delighted to welcome Tobias Gotthardt, State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy of Bavaria, to our booth. During his visit, Gotthardt engaged in a productive exchange with our Managing Directors on the ways DLR GfR’s contributions to the Galileo program and satellite navigation resilience support Bavaria’s and Germany’s broader goals in technological innovation, security, and sustainable development. The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between industry and government in advancing secure and resilient infrastructure for the future.

Later that day, we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Anke Pagels-Kerp, DLR Executive Board Member for Space, and Dr. Walther Pelzer, DLR Executive Board Member and representative of our shareholders. During their visit, DLR GfR shared insights into our advancements in satellite navigation resilience, particularly our critical role in the Galileo program and our projects to enhance GNSS resilience. The exchange highlighted the importance of collaboration between DLR’s research initiatives and our operational expertise, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing space innovation and ensuring secure navigation services. Their visit underlined our collaborative work with DLR’s extensive research network.

Additionally, prominent political delegations, including Marco-Alexander Breit from the BMWK and Minister of State Sarah Ryglewski, engaged with our Managing Directors on the alignment between DLR GfR’s advancements in satellite resilience and Germany’s priorities in innovation, security, and sustainability.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economy, Ports, and Transformation from Bremen, to our booth. Her visit emphasized the significance of regional partnerships in advancing aerospace initiatives. Additionally, we were delighted to host representatives from the Canadian Space Agency CSA: Vanessa Wen, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Emerging Issues, and Yann Denis, Manager of Industry and Academic Relations. Their presence highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing emerging challenges and fostering innovation in the space sector beyond country boarders.

Honoring 15 Years of the German-Italian Partnership with Spaceopal

We also celebrated Spaceopal’s 15th anniversary, marking an exceptional German-Italian partnership together with Telespazio, that plays a crucial role as the Galileo service operator. This occasion highlighted both the strength of our collaboration and our joint contributions to one of the EU’s largest projects.

As we bid “Ciao” to Milan, we’re already looking forward to connecting again at IAC 2025 in Sydney, Australia. A heartfelt thank you to all who visited, and to our partners and the ECM team for making this a successful and inspiring week in Milan. See you next year in Down Under!