A significant advancement in satellite communications has emerged as Calian’s German subsidiary, SatService, has secured a contract with the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany. This contract aims to establish a Q/V-band satellite ground station tailored for both scientific and military communications. The project is being managed through the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich, marking an important collaboration between academia and defense.
Under the terms of the agreement, SatService will undertake the design, construction, testing, and delivery of a comprehensive ground station, which will feature a 4-meter (approximately 13-foot) antenna system. This technology is expected to enhance the capabilities of satellite communications within the specified frequency range.
“Germany and the EU are heavily investing in satellite communications capabilities to secure and defend their sovereignty, and access to multiple frequency bands is a critical part of their initiative,” stated Wilfried Megger, Managing Director of SatService GmbH. This commitment aligns with broader European efforts to bolster defense and communications infrastructure amid growing geopolitical challenges.
The facility will specifically operate in the Q/V-band frequency range, facilitating geostationary orbit satellite communications—a vital capability that is currently lacking at the university. This advancement is expected to provide German Armed Forces trainee officers with hands-on experience in secure and high-capacity satellite communications operations. Trainees will gain insights into the advantages offered by geostationary orbits, including continuous regional coverage, higher data throughput, and improved resistance to interference.
Coinciding with this development, Berlin is deliberating a wide array of investments in space technology, with overall spending projected to reach up to €35 billion (around $41 billion). The announced plans include the construction of an encrypted military satellite network that will consist of more than 100 spacecraft in the upcoming years.
In parallel to these initiatives, last year, Rheinmetall and Finnish satellite operator ICEYE secured a contract worth €1.7 billion (approximately $1.9 billion) with the German Armed Forces. This partnership focuses on providing space-based intelligence via access to a synthetic-aperture radar satellite constellation. The program, which is managed through the Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions joint venture, is set to continue through 2030, with options for extension thereafter.
The push for enhanced military space capabilities showcases Germany’s commitment to strengthening its defense posture and ensuring robust communication infrastructures for its armed forces in an increasingly complex global landscape.
