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Germany is investing €78 million to build the Human Exploration Control Center (HECC) at the German Aerospace Center in Oberpfaffenhofen. Funded by €58 million from Bavaria and €20 million from DLR, construction is set to begin in 2028, with operations expected to start by 2030.

The HECC aims to enhance Europe's capabilities for missions to the Moon and Mars, managing contributions to the lunar Gateway and developing technologies for deep space exploration. Designed for up to 200 specialists, it will include high-security control rooms and a lunar control center to oversee multiple missions. The project aims to create high-skilled jobs and foster innovation in robotics, communications, and AI.