Germany is laying the foundations for the next chapter of human spaceflight with a major investment in a new mission control facility near Munich.
The Human Exploration Control Center (HECC) will be built on the grounds of the German Aerospace Center in Oberpfaffenhofen and will expand Europe’s capabilities for manned robotic missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.
The project, which received support of 58 million euros from the Free State of Bavaria and a further 20 million euros from institutional investors at the German Air Force Base (DLR), demonstrates a long-term commitment to strengthening Europe’s independent role in space exploration.
Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and be operational by 2030.
Markus Söder, Minister and President of Bavaria, commented on the ground-breaking facility: “Bavaria’s gateway to the Star is nearing. The Free State, the DLR and the ESA form a strong alliance. With innovation and a pioneering spirit, we are driving research, freedom and the future.”
“Bavaria is investing 58 million euros in new buildings, as well as 5 million euros in the development of an orbital gateway and an AI project to support astronauts. The moon is our starting point into space and may one day become a stopover on our way to Mars.”
“From the Moon, we can explore real-time robotic monitoring, autonomous energy systems, and permanent living and working in space. This is the most exciting adventure of our time and will also have a tangible impact on life on Earth. Bavaria, as a ‘Space Valley’, will create many new technologies and jobs.”
A new era of manned spaceflight
HECC will become part of the German Space Operations Center (GSOC), which already manages complex missions including the operation of the European Columbus Laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).
Building on that experience, the new center will expand Germany’s operational footprint beyond low-Earth orbit.
The HECC is designed to accommodate up to 200 experts and includes a high-security control room, dedicated server facilities, and a clean room for preparing sensitive flight hardware.
A dedicated lunar control center will allow the team to oversee multiple missions simultaneously, reflecting the increasing complexity of future human spaceflight campaigns.
The facility will not only manage the spacecraft, but also develop new operational concepts tailored to deep space exploration. As missions move further from Earth, traditional real-time control becomes increasingly difficult, requiring autonomy and new approaches to mission planning.
Supports Gateway and Artemis missions
One of HECC’s first major responsibilities will be to support Europe’s contribution to the Lunar Gateway, a space station scheduled to orbit the Moon later this decade.
Developed under the Artemis program, Gateway will serve as a way station for surface missions and a testbed for technologies needed for Mars.
The Oberpfaffenhofen Center oversees the operation of several key gateway components, including the International Habitat Area (I-HAB), the HALO Lunar Communications System, and the ESPRIT refueling module.
By assuming operational responsibility for these modules, Germany and its European partners will position themselves at the center of future human spaceflight beyond Earth orbit.
As the Gateway takes shape, HECC will ensure that the European system works seamlessly with international partners. This cooperation is central to Europe’s strategy to maintain technological sovereignty while being deeply integrated into global exploration activities.
Preparing for Mars and autonomous flight
Looking further ahead, HECC is also designed with Mars in mind. Communication delays between Earth and Mars can be as long as 40 minutes round trip, making real-time control impossible.
To address this challenge, the GSOC team is developing artificial intelligence tools such as the Mars Exploration Telemetry-Driven Information System (METIS).
These systems are intended to support semi-autonomous spacecraft operations, a key requirement for long-term human spaceflight missions to Mars.
Strengthening Bavaria’s space economy
The decision to build HECC in Oberpfaffenhofen has strengthened Bavaria’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading space regions.
The site already hosts astronaut training, satellite control, and cutting-edge research. With the addition of HECC, it will become a central hub for human spaceflight in Europe.
Beyond its exploration goals, the project is expected to create highly skilled jobs and drive innovation in robotics, communications and AI.
As space activities become an increasingly important economic sector, Bavaria is positioning itself at the forefront of technologies that will shape future missions, from the Moon to Mars and beyond.
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