Austrian Aerospace Delegation Visits Bremen: “Space – the Final Frontier”

Bremen, 11–12 June 2025 – Under the theme “Space – the Final Frontier”, a high-level Austrian business delegation visited the northern German aerospace hub of Bremen as part of a future-oriented delegation trip organized by Advantage Austria. The two-day trip aimed to provide insights into Bremen’s aerospace innovation landscape, explore cooperation potential, and foster exchange between Austrian and German stakeholders in the industry. 

AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V., together with other partners of the City of Aerospace Bremen Bremerhaven – WFB Wirtschaftsförderung Bremen GmbH and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation – actively supported the two-day programme and contributed valuable content to strengthen Bremen’s position as an international hub for innovation in the space sector. 

Day 1: Industrial Excellence & Networking 

A highlight of the first day was the pitching session followed by networking, where AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V. warmly welcomed the Austrian delegation at BITZ – Bremen Innovation and Technology Centre. The session provided a dedicated platform for both the participating Austrian companies and numerous network partners from Bremen and Bremerhaven to present themselves through concise elevator pitches. It served as a catalyst for bilateral discussions, actively promoted exchange between industry and research, and laid the foundation for future cooperation opportunities within the European space sector. 

The delegation then visited the ArianeGroup site, where they received exclusive insights into the production of the upper stage of the new Ariane 6 launch vehicle – a key element of Europe’s future access to space. 

Next on the itinerary was Airbus Defence and Space in Bremen’s Airport City. At the Visitor Center, the delegation learned more about Airbus’ contribution to the International Space Station, including the Columbus module, which was developed in Bremen and launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2008. 

The day concluded with an official evening reception at the historic Bremer Ratskeller, jointly hosted by the partners of the City of Aerospace Bremen Bremerhaven. The networking dinner provided an excellent opportunity for direct exchange between Austrian and Bremen aerospace stakeholders in a relaxed and atmospheric setting. 

Equipped with cleanroom gear during the visit to ArianeGroup. ©Advantage Austria

Day 2: Research, Robotics & Future Technologies 

Day two began with a visit to the DFKI Robotic Innovation Center, where researchers showcased robotic systems designed for both space and underwater exploration. Impressive projects included the Sherpa modular rover and the Cuttlefish autonomous underwater vehicle – both examples of cutting-edge innovation in AI-driven robotics. 

At the DLR Institute of Space Systems, the delegation explored research infrastructures such as the cryogenics laboratories and the landing and mobility test areas. In addition to historic milestones in spaceflight, the visit provided a forward-looking view of emerging technologies and mission concepts. 

The afternoon visit to OHB featured a tour of the cleanroom facilities and offered exclusive insights into current and past satellite and spacecraft missions. A tailored presentation by OHB experts rounded off the visit and illustrated the company’s broad technological portfolio. 

The final stop of the mission was the ZARM Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity and ZARM Technik, where the delegation toured the renowned Drop Tower Bremen, including the control room and technical facilities. The tower remains a globally unique site for performing scientific experiments under microgravity conditions. 

The DFKI Sherpa robot for planetary applications. ©Advantage Austria

Inside the drop tower at ZARM. ©Advantage Austria

Conclusion 

The future mission was a great success – not only for the Austrian guests, but also for the space stakeholders in Bremen. The meetings on equal footing enabled Bremen’s companies and research institutions to showcase their strengths internationally and establish concrete starting points for collaborations within the DACH region. 

The diverse impressions – from the cleanroom at OHB to robotic systems at DFKI and the Ariane upper stage at ArianeGroup – left a lasting impact on the Austrian stakeholders: Bremen is a key node in the European space ecosystem – and an exciting partner for the future.