Who Owns the Moon? Europe and the New Space Race
16:00 – 16:50 Uhr
Donnerstag, 2. Juli 2026
Artemis II changed something. For the first time since Apollo, humanity looked at the Moon again not as a memory, but as a destination. Millions followed the mission live, captivated by the idea that humans are truly returning to deep space. But this new lunar age is about more than inspiration. A new race to the Moon has begun -driven by geopolitical rivalry, technological sovereignty, and the question of who will shape humanity’s future beyond Earth. Can Europe risk to become a spectator? What capabilities, launch systems, and industrial champions are needed to secure independent access to space? And what do we actually gain from returning to the Moon - scientifically, economically, and as a society? This panel brings together thought leaders to discuss Europe’s role in the next era of human spaceflight, and whether space can once again become humanity’s boldest shared mission.