Opening of the Competence Centre Optics (CCO)

Flat mirror FMA1 and reference coordinate system in front of the thermal vacuum chamber in the ISO-5 cleanroom. ©IABG

Flat mirror FMA1 and reference coordinate system in ISO-5 cleanroom. ©IABG

Thermal vacuum system of the CCO in the cleanroom. ©IABG

Competence Centre Optics - Exterior View ©IABG

"Today, a new chapter in Bavarian spaceflight history begins in Ottobrunn," said State Chancellery Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann at the opening of the new CCO. "Earth observation is the backbone for the security of critical infrastructures and far beyond, for climate, earth, and environmental research. Nowhere else in Europe is there such a strong research ecosystem. Bavaria and IABG share a belief in the future, innovative strength, and openness to technology."

The industry also evaluates the new center as an important step: "Space offers enormous value creation and growth potential for the economy. That is why the Competence Centre Optics and the satellite system GEORG for worldwide electro-optical reconnaissance and remote sensing are exactly the right initiatives at the right time," emphasized Marie-Christine von Hahn, CEO of the Federal Association of the Aerospace Industry (BDLI).

"Spaceflight and the utilization of space are currently experiencing a boom. This is also reflected in the German Federal Government's HighTech Agenda Germany, which lists space as one of five strategic research fields," said Dr. Rolf-Dieter Jungk, Secretary of State at the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space. "I believe that space-based earth observation is crucial for a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of Germany's security situation and thus also for Germany's defense capability," Jungk added.

Link between industry, science, and government clients

The CCO was financed and built by IABG. The reimbursement of the investment costs in the three-digit million range is carried out through a ten-year deployment contract by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK, now BMFTR). Access to the facility is regulated in a non-discriminatory manner, allowing both private companies and public research institutions to use the test infrastructure. This makes the CCO a capable link between industry, science, and government clients.

"We have created the conditions here for Germany to independently develop, test, and operate satellite-based key technologies — and thus gain real sovereignty," said Prof. Dr. Rudolf F. Schwarz, Chairman of the Management Board of IABG. "With the CCO, we accelerate development processes and strengthen the competitiveness of European providers," Schwarz added.

Strategic key infrastructure for Europe's security

Electro-optical systems are central components in reconnaissance and earth observation satellites. Their availability, quality, and independence are crucial for security and defense policy sovereignty — not only in Germany but across the EU. Calibration and characterization of these highly sensitive systems had previously not been possible in Germany.

The CCO now fills this gap: in a specially developed test environment — including large-volume thermal vacuum chambers, high-precision optical measurement equipment, cleanrooms, and vibration-isolated floors — electro-optical payloads can be tested and qualified in a realistic manner. This complements IABG's existing spaceflight test center, which already offers thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic testing for conventional satellites.

"What makes the CCO special is that calibration and characterization of complete, extremely sensitive satellite cameras can be carried out here in conditions similar to actual later operational modes (e.g., temperature environment, high vacuum) — and this without disturbances from micro-vibrations," explained Christian Henjes, Head of the Space Department at IABG.

CCO as another location advantage for Ottobrunn/Taufkirchen

IABG is committed to ensuring that the Ottobrunn/Taufkirchen site remains a leading European innovation cluster in aerospace technology. Established high-tech companies, startups, and think tanks like Bauhaus Luftfahrt mutually benefit from this proximity. Not coincidentally, TUM is currently establishing facilities for its new Department "Aerospace and Geodesy" right next door, which in turn attracts a growing number of private-sector New Space players.