European nations are boosting the European Space Agency (ESA) to nearly €22.1 billion ($25.6 billion) over the next three years. 

That's about five billion more than member states pledged in 2022, and almost matches the agency's proposed figure.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher thanked the 23 member nations for their support, saying it shows space is an "economic sector that is growing very fast."

"It is also more and more important for security and defence, and it is a domain where Europe has to catch up," he added.

Germany, one of the largest contributors, plans to raise its share to over € 5 billion, up from just under €3.5 billion last time.

Berlin says the extra funding will strengthen satellite communications, Earth observation, and navigation, areas seen as vital for jobs and security amid global tensions.

German Space Minister Dorothee Bär said, "an incredible number of jobs depend on space travel, but so does our security."

Quelle: DW