Near-Earth space, with its critical infrastructure, is an arena for geopolitical and economic interests. Our strategic consultancy provides guidance in a dynamic political environment and during complex, interdisciplinary decision-making processes.
Near-Earth space, with its critical infrastructure, is an arena for geopolitical and economic interests. We develop independent, scientifically grounded analyses to offer support for complex, interdisciplinary decision-making processes and for the development of socio-political strategies within a dynamic political environment. In doing so, we contribute our expertise in innovation and transformation research.
We strive for a future in which the use of space is peaceful, sustainable, and equitable. We view innovation in space technology as an integral component of a future-oriented global society. Through our work, we aim to contribute to strengthening the future viability and resilience of society, and we are committed to making room for pluralistic orbital future narratives.
The German environmental satellite EnMAP is ready for its use in space.
DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
As a think and do tank, we bridge the gap between orbit and the socio-economic impacts on society, politics, the economy, and science. Today as well as for the future. As an independent actor at the intersection of technology, society, and politics, we develop interdisciplinary navigational aids for complex innovation ecosystems, thereby creating the foundation for sustainable political and economic action models.
In our research and consultancy, we deliberately distinguish between space-related and orbital policy. While space-related policy focuses on the exploration of outer space and long-term global responsibilities, orbital policy focuses on near-Earth space as both foundation of modern societal infrastructure and limited spatial resource.
In doing so, we highlight varying degrees of dependency and address the need to guide intertwined, cross-system transformations in social and innovation policy across terrestrial and orbital boundaries. Our approach brings these three worlds together: We explore how the space sector acts as a lever for societal transformation and modern innovation policy on Earth.
Our aim is the conscious shaping of near-Earth space as:
a sphere for society-wide decisions
a scaffold for critical infrastructures
a limited resource
a realm for innovation
Symbolic image IQIB
DLR
Our services: Expertise for orbital transitionAs a centre of excellence for space, society, and innovation policy, we offer the following:
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The satellites TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X flying in formation.
DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
 Sofiah |
Normative foundational work – |
 Vectors Point |
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 Studio 365 |
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 SHAHAREA |
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 Trend |
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 M2n | Scalable analyses – Combining international and European strategies with a national focus |
Our current activities build upon our legacy: Two decades ago, the IQIB (then the European Academy of Technology Assessment), in collaboration with the DLR, laid the foundation for this work with the pioneering conference and publication “Die Zukunft der Raumfahrt: Ihr Nutzen und ihr Wert” (The Future of Spaceflight: Its Benefits and Value). Today, we continue this dialogue in the era of the New Space economy.
We conduct projects in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the German Space Agency at DLR, and our partner network SichTRaum:
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| INNOspace Masters | Innovation competition INNOspace Masters is an international, English-language innovation competition run by the German Space Agency at DLR on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) as part of the INNOspace® initiative. Together with partners such as ESA and partners from industry, the German Space Agency at DLR launches partner-specific, thematic challenges to which interested companies, start-ups, and research teams can submit their ideas. At the final conference, the best ideas are awarded prizes, and the overall winner of the INNOspace Masters is chosen. IQIB organises the competition on behalf of the German Space Agency at DLR and manages external communication with project partners and participants. Furthermore, IQIB provides input across all project phases: from the development of communication messaging and evaluation criteria, to the organisation of in-person and online events, right through to shaping the content of the final conference. Further information:
| Space Innovation Hub | Shaping the future of the German space sector The Space Innovation Hub of the German Space Agency at DLR is a platform for start-ups, established companies, investors, public institutions, and science. It offers a unique opportunity for providers of space technologies and services to collaborate directly with potential users. The aim is to identify requirements and develop tailored solutions through the exchange of ideas and know-how, thereby strengthening both Germany’s competitiveness and its security in space. IQIB supports the organisational and administrative management of the Space Innovation Hub, as well as the planning and execution of events and the development of communication messaging. Further information:
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FOGOS The interdisciplinary European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST Action) „Futures-Oriented Governance of Outer Space: Towards Peace, Equity, and Environmental Integrity“ (FOGOS) brings together researchers from Europe and beyond, who explore questions of space governance and potential future scenarios for the space sector from diverse scientific perspectives. Based on a comprehensive understanding of sustainability that encompasses peace, equity, and environmental integrity as core components, FOGOS aims to enhance our understanding of the governance mechanisms and processes that can contribute to the realisation of sustainable space futures. | |
SichTRaum | |
 The Security and Technology in Space research network (SichTRaum) unites the German-speaking expert community on issues of peace and security in space. Due to the technical and political risks of escalation, combining academic expertise and engaging with practitioners is urgently required. The network connects existing research, provides opportunities for multidisciplinary research consortia, and attracts early-career researchers to the field of space policy and governance. |
PodcastsInterview with Dr. Arne Sönnichsen on 31 October 2025 on WDR 5 Politikum. Social scientist Arne Sönnichsen explains why we should be more enthusiastic about space in this Politikum interview. (03:35 – 14:31) Interview with Dr Arne Sönnichsen: "Wars in Space – Distant Future or Soon to be Reality?” on 18 January 2025 as part of the “Future Apocalypse?” series by the Bonn section of the Young Society for Security Policy (GSP) and the Rhineland regional group of Polis180. Space-based infrastructure performs various vital tasks for our planet that have become indispensable for the functioning of all highly modern industrial societies. Space, as the fifth dimension of human existence, is increasingly subject to security policy dynamics and power projections. In the event of a conflict, this would have far-reaching impacts on the state, society, the economy, and the environment. But how great is the risk of a war in space? What role do satellites play? And what potential scenarios could emerge that we need to prepare for? |
Video FeatureInterview with Dr Arne Sönnichsen: "Arms Race in Space" on 17 August 2023 as part of the Planet Wissen programme by Hessischer Rundfunk (HR). Our modern life would be inconceivable without satellite technology: navigation systems, power grids, timekeeping – all of this is controlled from Earth's orbit. Yet, the war in Ukraine clearly demonstrates: the military use of space is also advancing. This is no longer just about espionage and surveillance. The question of military supremacy and entirely new threat scenarios are taking centre stage. Further, with private companies and emerging space nations, the number of actors has increased. Are we facing a new arms race in space? And how well protected is Germany? |
Dr. Michael Kunkis
Head of Transfer
Michael.kunkis@iqib.de
Dr. Marieluna Frank
Scientific consultant
Marieluna.frank@iqib.de
Dr. Arne Sönnichsen
Scientific consultant
Arne.soennichsen@iqib.de
Further publications on the topic of spaceflight: IQIB open