Launch Readiness Starts Below the Surface Engineering as the Enabler of Germany’s Next Satellite Constellation

Germany’s plan to field its own military satellite constellation before 2030 marks one of the most ambitious space defence projects in the nation’s history. Yet the real challenge lies not in the launches themselves, but in building the engineering, lifecycle and interoperability foundations that will keep hundreds of satellites operational, secure, and adaptable for decades. From model-based systems engineering to the Digital Thread and application lifecycle management, space readiness begins well before a rocket leaves the ground.

Inspired by the Starlink model, the German Armed Forces are planning to deploy their own satellite constellation. Hundreds of satellites, billions in investment, and the first rocket launches planned before 2030. What is intended to strengthen military resilience is, from an industrial point of view, above all a system project of previously unknown scale. Yet, the real challenge begins on the ground. In a defence context shaped by interoperability requirements, shortened acquisition cycles and growing system complexity, space readiness begins with robust, certifiable and traceable engineering frameworks. Without these foundations, no satellite architecture, regardless of its technological sophistication, can deliver the adaptability and mission assurance required in today’s operational environment.