Maurer calls space travel 'the Champions League of technology'

German astronaut Matthias Maurer from the European Space Agency highlights the importance of investing in space technology for Europe. “Space travel is like the Champions League in technology and engineering,” he told RTL and NTV on Friday.

“And we are in Germany and Europe? We are of course pro-technology and want to stay that way. So we have to invest here,” says Maurer. He compared the current situation in space travel to the first phase of the Internet: “Today we are in space travel where the Internet was 25 years ago. Today we see people who invested at that time. Most of them were Americans. This is why business is conducted online mainly in the USA today. “We should never make this mistake again when it comes to space travel.”

Maurer also highlighted the importance of supporting European space startups in order to maintain their competitiveness: “So, we must first support startups based in Europe, and in Germany.” The astronaut explained: “We have a few pearls in our quiver, but they are Of course you also need the political and economic framework.” Space research also allows the development of new materials and medicines with great innovative potential for use on Earth.

Regarding future missions to the Moon and Mars, Maurer pointed to the need for new technologies: “Therefore, I need technology that enables me to find what I need there and use it there on Mars: air to breathe, water to drink, and electricity.” Which I am creating there and of course a small station where I can also live. And we want to test all of that on the moon. Given the rapid growth of private American space companies such as SpaceX, Maurer sees Europe under pressure: “We have to make an effort,” he warns. “We certainly have to be able to stay here and try. Otherwise, Europe risks losing its leadership position.”

DTS News Agency

Photo: Mond (archive), via dts news agency