ISOS Pilot Mission Detailed Design – Servicing component

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen Europe's ability to operate and provide services in space by launching a pilot mission focused on In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) by 2030. The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a future space service infrastructure that supports both governmental and commercial needs. Key focus areas include building a sustainable and automated space infrastructure, advancing technologies that enable a circular economy in space, and providing critical services such as inspection, repair, life extension, and asset removal. The opportunity is designed to boost the European in-space ecosystem, enhance technology demonstrations in orbit, and reduce reliance on non-European technologies. Only organizations from EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland are eligible to apply, with strict conditions for others.

• Projects must involve legal entities from the EU, Norway, or Iceland. Others may join only with strong guarantees on EU strategic interests and security.
• Proposals must not exceed 60 pages and must follow the required layout.
• Projects must align with the ISOS pilot mission’s goals, including interoperability and cooperation among industry, SMEs, and research institutions.
• Proposals should use and build upon European technologies to support EU non-dependence.
• Collaboration with other related projects and the ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination is required.
• Projects must address sustainable space infrastructure, circular economy, and clear business models for government or commercial use.
• Focus must be on detailed design and technology maturation for the servicing component.

Example Projects:

• A project developing an autonomous satellite servicing system using only European-made components.
• A consortium designing a business model for in-orbit satellite repair services, bringing together SMEs and research centers from several EU countries.
• An initiative that creates a detailed operational plan for removing defunct satellites, ensuring compatibility with other European space assets.

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: 18,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 12,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 6,000,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in the EU, Norway, or Iceland.
• Entities from other countries may participate only if strict guarantees are provided and approved to protect EU strategic interests and security.
• Projects must avoid reliance on non-EU technology and keep intellectual property and project results within eligible countries.
• All applicants must complete a questionnaire about ownership and control as part of their application.