ISOS Pilot Mission Detailed Design – satAPPs component

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance Europe's capabilities in space by developing and demonstrating a pilot mission for In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) by 2030. The focus is on building a sustainable, automated, and flexible space infrastructure, especially through the creation of modular and exchangeable satellite components known as satAPPs. Projects should promote plug-and-play satellite technology and contribute to a European catalogue of satAPPs for both government and commercial uses. The opportunity is open to participants from EU Member States and EEA countries, with possibilities for international collaboration under certain conditions. Thematic priorities include technology demonstration, non-dependence on non-EU technology, and fostering a new in-space economy.

• Proposals must not exceed 60 pages and must follow a specific layout as described in the application guidelines.
• Projects must use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or timing data and services, preferably utilizing Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
• Participants from eligible countries, mainly EU Member States and EEA countries, may apply. Some other countries may participate if they have specific funding provisions.
• Projects must meet all evaluation thresholds to be considered for award.

Example project ideas:

• Developing a plug-and-play satellite module that can be easily integrated into existing European space infrastructure.
• Designing a system for automated in-orbit servicing using Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS data.
• Creating a new type of satellite component (satAPP) that supports both governmental and commercial missions.

• Personnel costs directly related to the project
• Costs for research and development activities
• Prototyping and testing of satellite modules (satAPPs)
• Purchase of equipment necessary for the project
• Costs for data acquisition, including Copernicus or Galileo/EGNOS data
• Subcontracting of specific tasks or services
• Travel and subsistence costs for project-related meetings
• Costs for dissemination and communication of project results
• Project management and coordination expenses

Note: Funding is provided as a lump sum. All eligible expenses must be directly linked to the project objectives and comply with Horizon Europe guidelines.

• Budget for this Call: 5,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 3,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 2,000,000€

• Proposals must not exceed 60 pages and must use the required application layout.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries (mainly EU Member States and EEA countries; others may qualify if specific funding provisions exist).
• Projects must use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or timing data, preferably from Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity.
• Proposals must meet all evaluation thresholds to be considered for funding.