Munich Space Summit to Become Bavaria’s Largest Aerospace Event

The University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Munich Aerospace, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are launching a new global forum: the Munich Space Summit. From March 23 to 27, 2026, international stakeholders from government, industry, research, and the New Space community will come together in Munich to discuss the future of space technologies, policy, and applications.

Munich, November 2025 – With the Munich Space Summit, two of Bavaria’s most prominent aerospace event formats are being brought together: the Munich Satellite Navigation Summit, founded 20 years ago by the University of the Bundeswehr Munich (UniBw M), and the Munich New Space Summit, introduced by Munich Aerospace in 2023. The newly established joint format creates a comprehensive, forward-looking platform that reflects the dynamism and growing strategic importance of the global space sector.

Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. habil. Thomas Pany, Professor of Satellite Navigation at UniBw M, emphasizes that the launch of the Munich Space Summit marks a decisive step toward consolidating expertise and fostering dialogue across sectors. “By joining forces, we are creating a platform of international relevance that brings together innovative technologies, scientific excellence, political perspectives, and practical applications. The Summit will showcase the full breadth of the space ecosystem and its increasing impact on society.”

Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Michael Meurer, DLR and Chairman of the Executive Board of Munich Aerospace, highlights the expanded reach of the new format. “The Munich Space Summit connects established institutions, emerging New Space actors, and key user industries in a way that neither predecessor event could previously achieve. Space technologies today are deeply intertwined with fields such as mobility, telecommunications, climate monitoring, security, and defense. This Summit offers the ideal venue to address these developments and explore new forms of cooperation.”

The Munich Space Summit will take place at the Alte Kongresshalle in Munich and is expected to attract around 600 international participants. Further information is available at www.munich-space-summit.org.

Programme

March 23-25: Focus on New Space

The first half of the week will focus on New Space, examining the rapidly evolving commercial space sector with its new business models, private investments, and technological breakthroughs. Building on the success of previous Munich New Space Summits, discussions will explore emerging companies, advanced manufacturing approaches, and the expanding role of private capital in shaping the global space economy. A particular emphasis will be placed on cross-industry perspectives, with contributions from sectors such as defense, telecommunications, aviation, automotive, and logistics, all of which increasingly depend on space-based services.

March 25: Joint Programme Day

On Wednesday, March 25, all participants will come together for a joint programme day featuring high-level representatives from international space agencies, government bodies, research organizations, and major industrial players. Keynotes and panel discussions will address central strategic themes, including resilience of space infrastructures, sovereignty, global competitiveness, and the future of international cooperation. The day will conclude with an evening reception attended by political leaders and invited guests, offering extensive opportunities for networking.

March 25-27: Focus on Satellite Navigation

From March 25 onward, the Summit will continue in the tradition of the Munich Satellite Navigation Summit, turning its focus to the latest developments in global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), resilient PNT architectures, security concepts, policy frameworks, and innovative applications. Leading experts from agencies, academia, and industry will provide insights into how satellite navigation systems are enabling critical infrastructure, autonomous mobility, and a wide range of emerging technologies.

About the University of the Bundeswehr Munich (UniBw M)

The University of the Bundeswehr Munich is a research-intensive university within the remit of the German Federal Ministry of Defense. Its missions include academic teaching, world-class research, and the transfer of knowledge and technology. Founded in 1973, it offers officer candidates a civilian academic education and is home to one of Germany’s strongest aerospace research clusters.

About Munich Aerospace

Munich Aerospace strengthens aerospace research, innovation, and talent development in Bavaria. By coordinating research programmes, awarding doctoral scholarships, and promoting close cooperation between universities, research institutions, and industry, the organization fosters knowledge transfer, supports young scientists, and builds a vibrant international community for future aerospace technologies.

About the German Aerospace Center (DLR)

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research center for aeronautics and space. It develops technologies in aerospace, energy, transport, and security, and its innovations support industry, government, and society. The German Space Agency at DLR manages Germany’s space activities on behalf of the federal government. In addition, two DLR project management agencies oversee major national research and innovation programmes.