Resilience on Earth and in Space: Germany's Approach to Space Weather Risks

Space weather can have significant impacts on critical infrastructure and technical systems on Earth. Severe geomagnetic storms can disrupt power grids, satellites, navigation and communication systems, and aviation. In extreme cases, these storms can even cause widespread power outages. As dependence on satellite-based services and interconnected infrastructure increases, preparing for such events is becoming more important. The German Federal Government's 2025 Space Security Strategy has brought greater political attention to the issue. Strengthening Germany's resilience to extreme space weather events requires further measures, including systematic risk assessments, early detection through expanded national observation and forecasting capabilities, and the coordination of protective measures.

At the Parliamentary Breakfast “Resilience on Earth and in Space: Germany’s Approach to Space Weather Risks”, held under the patronage of Bettina Lugk, Member of the German Bundestag and Deputy Chair of the Bundestag's Defence Committee, participants discussed the risks posed by extreme space weather events to critical infrastructure and approaches to strengthening national preparedness and resilience, drawing on the latest scientific findings. On 12 November 2026, 52 participants from politics, federal ministries, public authorities, and the research community attended the event hosted by the Helmholtz Forum Earth and Environment at the Jakob Kaiser Building of the German Bundestag.

Marie Heidenreich, head of the Helmholtz Forum Earth and Environment, welcomed the participants and thanked Bettina Lugk for her patronage. She introduced the speakers and the Helmholtz discussion paper “Preparing for Space Weather – Reflections on a National Agenda”, published on the occasion of the Parliamentary Breakfast. In the paper, the researchers call for systematically incorporating space weather into national risk assessments and critical infrastructure protection, establishing a 24/7 civilian space weather service, and contributing to the development of an independent European space weather system. They also stress the importance of examining the societal and economic impacts of space weather events and further investments in fundamental research to improve forecasting capabilities.

Bettina Lugk welcomed the participants and emphasised the political relevance of space security in both the civilian and military sectors. She highlighted the importance of scientific expertise from the Helmholtz Association in informing political decision-making based on the latest research findings. Engaging in an ongoing dialogue with researchers is particularly important in the light of the rapid developments in space.

Prof. Dr Martin Keller, President of the Helmholtz Association, presented his opening remarks: “Security in Space, Resilience on Earth – Research as a Foundation for Security and Strategic Autonomy”. He emphasised the growing dependence on space-based technologies and the importance of research for space security. He also highlighted that space weather affects society as a whole and that addressing the associated challenges requires joint efforts by scientists and policymakers.

The scientific presentations followed, featuring Prof. Dr Yuri Shprits, head of the Space Physics and Space Weather Section at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences; Prof. Dr Jürgen Kusche, head of the Astronomical, Physical and Mathematical Geodesy Research Group at the University of Bonn; and Dr Melanie Heil, Space Segment Coordinator for Space Weather at the European Space Agency (ESA).

Prof. Shprits explained the fundamentals of space weather and outlined its potential impacts on satellites, power grids, as well as navigation and communication systems. As the amount of satellites expands and technical infrastructure grows more complex, the assessment and mitigation of associated risks become ever more critical.

Drawing on historical space weather events, Prof. Kusche illustrated the vulnerability of modern infrastructure, particularly Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which also play an important role in synchronising technical systems. He further explained how geomagnetic storms can increase atmospheric drag in the upper atmosphere, altering satellite orbits, shortening their operational lifetimes, and, in extreme cases, leading to the loss of satellites.

Dr Melanie Heil presented the different components of an effective European space weather system, including improved observation and forecasting capabilities, early warnings, and services tailored to different user groups. She emphasised the need for independent European observation capabilities and drew on international examples to illustrate how operational space weather services and national preparedness structures can be established.

To conclude the presentations, Prof. Shprits compared Germany's existing modelling capabilities with the remaining gaps in space weather forecasting. Building on this assessment, he presented a roadmap for further collaboration. Key elements included examining the socioeconomic impacts of space weather, incorporating space weather into national risk assessments, establishing a civilian space weather service, supporting a central European observation system, and setting up a space weather expert group.

The presentations were followed by a lively exchange among Members of the Bundestag, parliamentary staff, speakers, and representatives of federal ministries, public authorities, and research institutions. Discussions focused on establishing a national civilian space weather service, its possible institutional affiliation, and opportunities for cooperation among existing institutions at national and European levels. Participants also discussed how national capabilities could complement European observation and forecasting systems.

Further topics included the need for central points of contact for public authorities, infrastructure operators, and the general public, as well as the expansion of measurement networks and observation capabilities. Participants also addressed research needs and opportunities to integrate space weather sensors into satellite systems. Current political developments were also discussed, particularly the 2025 Space Security Strategy, the planned German Space Act, and the ongoing negotiations on the European Space Act. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of close collaboration between science, policymakers, and relevant institutions in advancing Germany's national preparedness for space weather events.

In her closing remarks, Bettina Lugk thanked the participants for their contributions and emphasised the need to strengthen Germany's and Europe's ability to act independently and maintain technological autonomy in space. She highlighted the importance of both national capabilities and close European collaboration in reducing existing dependencies. She also pointed to the value of a national advisory body serving which could act as a central point of contact, all while remaining connected to existing institutions and European structures. Finally, she encouraged participants to take forward the proposed options for taking action, which were published in the discussion paper.