Space Critical Equipment and Related Technologies for EU non-dependence – Chip Scale Atomic Clocks and Solar Cells

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the development of advanced space equipment that strengthens the European Union's independence and competitiveness in the space sector. The focus is on reducing reliance on non-EU technologies by building sustainable, EU-based supply chains and ensuring unrestricted access to critical equipment for EU space missions. Priority areas include Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (aiming for Technology Readiness Level 6) and Solar Cells (aiming for TRL 5-6). Only projects involving legal entities from EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland are eligible. The opportunity is designed to help manufacturers innovate and access new markets while enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy.

• Participants must be legal entities from EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland.
• Projects must focus on reducing dependency on non-EU sources for critical space technologies.
• Each proposal should target development of either Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (TRL 6) or Solar Cells (TRL 5-6), not both.
• The supply chain and final products must be free from non-EU export restrictions, with detailed analysis provided.
• Proposals must follow a strict format, including supply chain analysis and industrial roadmaps, and not exceed 80 pages.
• Activities should complement existing national or EU initiatives, and this must be described in the proposal.
• All proposals must meet evaluation thresholds and align with expected outcomes like competitiveness and autonomy.

Example projects:

• A project led by a French company developing a new generation of EU-based chip scale atomic clocks for satellite navigation, with a fully traceable EU supply chain.
• A consortium of Norwegian and German firms creating advanced solar cells for space missions, ensuring no reliance on non-EU materials or licenses.
• A partnership between an Italian manufacturer and Icelandic researchers to establish an industrial roadmap for EU-based solar cell production, analyzing and minimizing non-EU dependencies.

Personnel costs
Subcontracting
Travel and subsistence
Equipment (depreciation or rental)
Consumables and materials
Dissemination and communication
Access to research infrastructure
IPR and certification
Audit costs
Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 8,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 4,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 3,500,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland.
• Entities from non-eligible countries may only participate if they provide strong guarantees that their involvement does not compromise EU interests or security.
• Applicants must ensure their supply chain and final products are not subject to non-EU export restrictions.
• Preference is given to supply chains fully based in the EU; non-EU services must be justified and approved.
• Proposals must include detailed technology descriptions, supply chain analysis, and a commercialization plan.
• Entities identified as high-risk suppliers of mobile network equipment are excluded.
• Proposals must meet technical and operational standards, and confidential deliverables are required within six months of starting the project.