Space travel as strategic infrastructure
Between strategic autonomy and complex challenges
Germany, its European partners and the European Union increasingly view space technologies as strategic infrastructure that supports both economic competitiveness and national security. Sovereign space programmes create new capabilities and strengthen the industry.
Challenges in the space sector: competition, complexity and sovereignty
At the same time, public and private project organisers face considerable challenges. The market is characterised by a new space race between established and newer spacefaring nations. Consequently, the space sector continues to be shaped by widely differing national strategies, technologies available only in certain countries, and a mix of a few established major providers and a multitude of start-ups.
In the public sector, for example in defence, these challenges are most acutely felt. With the clear aim of rapidly expanding space capabilities, the relevant agencies suddenly find themselves having to manage more and significantly larger projects involving investments running into the billions. These include, for example, complex satellite constellations. In some cases, novel capabilities must also be introduced for which there are no established procurement channels.
At the same time, operational structures for new types of space missions still need to be established in some cases. The integration of new systems into existing structures and the creation of genuine operational added value place particular demands on IT, system integration and interoperability. Cooperation between military and civilian structures also presents a number of challenges.
Sovereign space capabilities
Who benefits from the investment boom – and who doesn’t?
This wave of investment is driving innovative business models within the industry and creating new scope for the development of independent capabilities. However, both start-ups from the so-called ‘New Space Economy’ and established space companies are facing a number of hurdles. The fragmented funding and decision-making structures at national and EU level complicate decision-makers’ investment strategies. Innovative business models require more time to establish themselves successfully on the market.
Whilst agile companies can offer new, more efficient technological concepts more quickly, they often have little experience with the missions and operational scenarios planned by key clients – such as the German Armed Forces. At the administrative level too – for example, in procurement processes or security requirements – smaller organisations can find themselves at a disadvantage. To scale solutions sufficiently, start-ups also need a strong, reliable partner. Established space companies, on the other hand, do not lack critical mass, but often lack a user-centric approach: their solutions are frequently system-centred rather than geared towards the actual requirements of end-users. Furthermore, software-defined capabilities, AI applications and interoperability are not among their core competencies, yet are increasingly in demand.
msg – Your partner for IT and consultancy in the aerospace industry
We support our clients in the space industry with bespoke IT and consultancy solutions to help them overcome their challenges. Thanks to our in-depth domain knowledge, our technological expertise and our strong network of partners, we help public authorities and other organisations to streamline their digital and operational processes and tackle the challenges facing the space sector.
Our team has experience gained from assignments with the German Armed Forces, as well as many years of IT project experience in the defence industry and in sensitive sectors such as public authorities, insurance companies and banks. As an independent, owner-managed company based in Germany, we can offer our clients a high level of security and confidentiality.
Our services
One-stop space IT: consultancy, mission support and cybersecurity
Our experts have decades of experience in the development and operation of IT systems for critical infrastructure, bringing a strong foundation of expertise and trust to the space industry.
Consulting
In the field of Aerospace and Defence Consulting, we possess in-depth expertise in the areas of operations, artificial intelligence and classified information, enabling us to help space organisations make strategic and operational decisions at the highest level.
Applications & Services
We also develop, integrate and operate space applications as scalable services. These can be flexibly adapted to the specific requirements of public authorities and industrial customers, thereby enabling the rapid and cost-effective implementation of complex mission requirements.
Cybersecurity
We offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that protect your organisation’s IT infrastructure and the integrity of critical mission systems. In an increasingly interconnected and geopolitically sensitive space environment, investment in information security is a priority at every level.
Complex mission requirements? No problem – we have the right solution. From intelligent operations consultancy to comprehensive cybersecurity – we ensure that your IT infrastructure remains secure, scalable and future-proof.
Technological excellence and partnership for challenging space projects
msg is already actively involved in a European space project and is thus making a direct contribution to strengthening sovereignty and security in space. Furthermore, we work closely with innovative German companies in the space sector.
Our range of services for the space industry is divided into three core areas:
- Project support for development and procurement projects,
- IT support services, in particular security-related services such as cyber security and the establishment of an infrastructure compliant with confidentiality requirements, as well as
- the development and provision of mission support services for space projects.
In this way, we bring our technological and consultancy expertise to bear on complex, safety-critical projects. Our track record demonstrates that we not only speak the language of the space industry, but also act as a reliable and experienced partner in one of Europe’s most demanding and strategically significant sectors.
When can we advise you?
Let’s work together to strengthen your space capabilities. From initial strategy through to operational implementation: we’re here to support you in tackling these challenges. Please fill in the form to get in touch with us. We’ll be in touch with you shortly.
