Digital solutions for autonomy for space transportation systems, design and simulation tools – targeting demonstration

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance digital solutions that support autonomy in space transportation systems. It aims to reduce costs, improve availability, and boost reliability through approaches like reusability and modularity. Key focus areas include health monitoring systems, real-time subsystem monitoring, low-cost and low-mass sensors, efficient avionics, and digital tools for autonomy. The opportunity is designed to strengthen EU competitiveness, reduce strategic dependencies, and build on existing European technologies. Only entities from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are eligible to participate.

• Eligible Entities: Projects must involve legal entities from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
• Use of European Technologies: Proposals should use European-developed technologies and components to support European independence and competitiveness.
• Focus Areas: Projects should demonstrate digital solutions for autonomy, such as smart avionics, AI-based data management, or health monitoring systems, through on-ground or in-orbit demonstrations.
• Expected Outcomes: Projects must deliver results like remote identification of structural damage or autonomous monitoring of thermo-mechanical conditions.
• Compliance: Proposals must follow page limits and layout rules set by Horizon Europe.

Examples:

• A consortium develops and tests a real-time health monitoring system for reusable launch vehicles using European sensor technology.
• A partnership between SMEs and research institutes creates modular avionics software for autonomous spacecraft.
• An industry-led project demonstrates AI-powered, low-mass sensors for structural monitoring in orbit.

• Personnel costs for researchers, engineers, and project staff
• Equipment and materials needed for development and testing
• Costs for on-ground or in-orbit demonstrations
• Software development and digital tool creation
• Acquisition of low-cost/low-mass sensors and avionics components
• Subcontracting for specialized technical services
• Travel and meeting expenses for project coordination
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Project management and administrative support

All eligible expenses are covered through a lump sum approach as defined by the Horizon Europe Programme. No further cost breakdowns are required, but all costs must directly relate to the project objectives.

• Budget for this Call: 7,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 7,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 4,000,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
• Entities from outside these countries are not eligible.
• Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may only participate if they provide guarantees that are positively assessed by their country of establishment.
• All participants must complete a compulsory questionnaire declaring ownership and control.
• Proposals must comply with all application requirements, including page limits and layout.