“Mission-K” – German Platform for Space Defence

Mission-K German Platform for Space Defence

2026-02-05 Source: Press release Business Missions UG | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

The German platform for space defence “Mission-K” is powered by ArianeGroup & Evonik and will take place on 29 & 30 September in Kalkar (Germany).

The third edition of the defence and space platform Mission-K will take place on 29 and 30 September 2026. This year, the event is supported by the Franco-German aerospace and defence group ArianeGroup as well as the chemical company Evonik as strategic partners. The focus is on the concrete implementation of the Federal Government’s recently adopted space security strategy.

The strategy defines the protection of critical space infrastructures, resilient capabilities and sovereign access to space as key security policy tasks. Mission-K addresses these priorities and brings together industry, government stakeholders, armed forces and research institutions to develop technological and industrial solution approaches.

At the core of the format are three strategic challenges directly derived from the space security strategy. These include the resilience of orbital systems, space security and sovereign access to space. These topics are addressed in interactive working formats in which representatives from industry, authorities and user communities participate together. The aim is to link political objectives with realistic implementation options.

Europe’s security landscape is changing rapidly

As defence budgets rise and EU programmes expand, civil technology providers are becoming vital contributors to Europe’s strategic autonomy. The event will act as a neutral platform for dialogue between technology suppliers, integrators, and decision-makers shaping the next generation of European defence capabilities and aims to open doors between civil industry and defence procurement, providing practical insights.

Find out more and register

ArianeGroup is a key player in the European security architecture in the fields of defence and space. With launch vehicle systems, propulsion technologies and the heavy-lift launcher Ariane 6, the company ensures Europe’s sovereign access to space and supports both civilian and military missions. Additional focus areas include satellite and orbital propulsion systems as well as space security capabilities for monitoring near-Earth orbit. Important sites are located, among others, in Bremen, Ottobrunn, Lampoldshausen and Trauen (all located in Germany).

Evonik complements the partner profile with material technologies for resilient space systems. High-performance materials, composite materials as well as adhesive and bonding solutions increase the robustness, efficiency and service life of defence and space applications. In doing so, Evonik combines security-relevant requirements with resource efficiency and emissions reduction.

Michael Kügelgen has been the managing director and owner of MK Technology, a special systems manufacturer, particularly for investment casting, for 30 years. However, his former enthusiasm for drones has never waned and now motivates him to conquer this promising area of technology with renewed energy. (Image:Michael Kügelgen)

Accompanying the challenges, up to 20 partners will present interactive experiences beyond traditional exhibition stands. The content will be contextualised by ten high-profile keynote speakers from industry, politics, the armed forces and research.

Mission-K will take place on 29 and 30 September 2026 at Wunderland Kalkar and is aimed at industry, authorities, students, start-ups and the media. Formats include keynotes, challenges, experiences, pitch stages and networking evenings. Mission-K promotes new partnerships and accelerates innovation.

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