Why Space Must Be Treated as Critical Infrastructure: Insights from Reflex Aerospace

In this compelling video, Reflex Aerospace CEO Walter Ballheimer and Alpine Space Ventures founding partner Bülent Altan unpack one of the most urgent topics in the European space industry: the transition of space from a research-centred domain to essential infrastructure. They explore how the widening ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) capability gap threatens Europe’s strategic autonomy, and what it takes to build a space company that is both mission-driven and investable.

Ballheimer emphasises that satellites and space systems are no longer simply scientific endeavours, they are part of the backbone of national security, communications, and crisis response. Europe’s reliance on non-European infrastructure leaves it vulnerable, he argues, and calls for sovereign space assets built by European players. Altan reinforces this view by pointing out the institutional weaknesses:

• In the U.S.: Defence and intelligence agencies drive deployment of ISR capabilities

• In Europe: Too often innovation exists without operational execution. To close this gap, Europe must move beyond long development cycles and shift to agile, mission-relevant systems.

The video further explores what makes a space company worth backing. Altan outlines key criteria for investment:

• Clear technical scope

• A viable go-to-market plan

• The capacity to execute under realistic timelines.

He holds up Reflex Aerospace as a case in point: a company laser-focused on delivering agile, high-performance satellites with shorter delivery times and clearer value-propositions to sovereign or dual-use customers. Ballheimer underscores that speed, modularity and tailoring are not optional - they are strategic imperatives when systems must respond to real-world operational demands.

For professionals and students exploring aerospace careers or the evolving landscape of space technology, this discussion is rich in insight. It demonstrates that the future of space lies at the intersection of engineering excellence, strategic vision and financial discipline. Whether you’re working on satellite systems engineering, defence space policy, or venture investment in New Space, the themes highlighted here reflect the industry’s next frontier.

Watch the video to hear Walter and Bülent go deeper into how Europe can build resilient space infrastructure, and how companies like Reflex Aerospace are turning these ambitions into tangible programs designed for pace, performance and sovereignty.