ISOS Pilot Mission Detailed Design – HOST component

The main goal of this opportunity is to develop capabilities for acting in space by demonstrating a pilot mission focused on In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) by 2030. The mission seeks to lay the groundwork for a future service infrastructure that will support the European in-space ecosystem. It aims to boost the new in-space economy, improve in-orbit technology demonstration, and strengthen Europe's independence in space technologies. Key focus areas include building a sustainable, flexible, and economically viable space infrastructure, advancing circular economy approaches in space, and meeting both governmental and commercial needs through innovative system designs. This opportunity is open to organizations based in EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland.

• Projects must involve legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland. Non-eligible country entities may only participate with guarantees that their involvement does not harm EU strategic interests.
• If using satellite-based earth observation or navigation, projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services.
• Proposals must not exceed 60 pages and must follow the required layout.
• Projects must align with the ISOS pilot mission objectives, supporting sustainable, flexible, and economically viable space infrastructure.
• Collaboration between industry, SMEs, and research institutions is encouraged, with a focus on turning innovations into commercial solutions.
• Projects must achieve the necessary Technology Readiness Level (TRL) by the end.
• Proposals should show complementarity with past or ongoing EU-funded research.
• The gender dimension should be considered in research and innovation content, where relevant.

Examples:

• A project that designs scalable in-space refueling systems, involving both a university and a space technology company.
• A collaborative effort to create modular robotic arms for satellite servicing, using European navigation services for precision.
• A partnership aiming to demonstrate new recycling technologies for satellite components, with clear plans for commercialization.

Specific eligible expenses are not detailed in the available information. Applicants should refer to the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes for guidance. Typical eligible expenses may include:

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting costs
• Equipment and materials
• Travel and subsistence
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Costs for innovation management
• Costs for testing and validation
• Indirect costs (overheads)

Restrictions and further details may apply as outlined in the Horizon Europe guidelines.

• Total budget of the grant: 17 500 000
• Number of grants available: 1
• Co-financing rate: 100%
• Budget per Grant: 17,500,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland.
• Entities from other countries are generally not eligible unless they provide guarantees ensuring no negative impact on EU strategic interests or security.
• Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate only if they provide guarantees on control, sensitive information, and intellectual property, assessed by their country of establishment.
• Applications must not exceed 60 pages and must follow the required format.
• Proposals should prioritize the use of European technologies and building blocks.
• All applicants must complete a questionnaire on ownership and control.