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ESA Expands Cologne Facility, Tripling Workforce by 2028

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The European Space Agency will build a €20 million facility at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne to accommodate an expanded workforce.
The project will nearly triple staff and is planned for completion by the end of 2028.
Costs will be shared equally by the European Space Agency and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
A Letter of Intent was signed by ESA, North Rhine-Westphalia, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

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Story summary

The European Space Agency will build a €20 million facility at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne to accommodate an expanded workforce.
The project will nearly triple staff and is planned for completion by the end of 2028.
Costs will be shared equally by the European Space Agency and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
A Letter of Intent was signed by ESA, North Rhine-Westphalia, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).