The European Space Agency has announced that the first European to reach the Moon will be a German astronaut.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that the first European to fly to the Moon will be a German astronaut, as part of the Artemis program, which anticipates the return of humans to the Moon in 2027. ESA Director Josef Aschbacher stated that a German astronaut is being sought, with Alexander Gerst and Matthias Maurer being the most likely candidates. The Artemis II mission, scheduled for next spring, will include American astronauts and a Canadian who will orbit the Moon. Additionally, the mission will mark the first lunar landing since 1972.

Federal Minister Dorothee Bär expressed pride in the selection of a German as the first European astronaut on the Moon. The ESA budget was recently approved, reaching 22.1 billion euros, including funds for space defense initiatives. Aschbacher emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its space defense capabilities, considering emerging threats, including the activities of Russian satellites. ESA has received a clear mandate to use space applications for non-aggressive defense purposes, marking a significant shift in the agency's strategy.