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last mo.

Bavaria Funds DLR Control Center to Run Moon and Mars Missions

The move positions Bavaria to host mission control for lunar exploration, reinforcing Europe’s push for post‑ISS autonomy.

Ministerpräsident Markus Söder (CSU, l) und Josef Aschbacher, ESA-Generaldirektor, betrachten beim Raumfahrtkonzern OHB im Rahmen des «MoonTalk» zur Gründung der «European Moonport Company» zur Entwicklung von Hochtechnologien für den Mond ein Modell einer möglichen Mondlandestation.
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Overview

  • DLR confirmed a new Human Exploration Control Center at Oberpfaffenhofen with €58 million from Bavaria and €20 million from DLR, expanding the national GSOC.
  • Construction is targeted to start in 2028 with operations around 2030, aligning with the planned wind‑down of ISS Columbus operations.
  • HECC will operate lunar and Mars missions and support the Gateway, with DLR citing responsibilities for I‑HAB, the HALO Lunar Communication System, and the ESPRIT refueling module.
  • The facility is planned for up to 200 employees with clean rooms, multi‑mission control spaces, and high‑security areas to serve institutional and commercial operators.
  • Separately, OHB created Luna Europa – European Moonport Company and showed a Moonport concept with Munich Airport without a commissioning date, as ESA’s Argonaut lander remains planned for 2030/31 and faster options are being examined.