On orbit operations and services

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance the development of technologies and systems that enable future on-orbit operations and services for security and defence satellites within Europe. It aims to boost the capacity of armed forces in EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries to operate effectively in space, supporting both military and responsive space missions. The focus is on creating a demonstrator that integrates both civilian and defence needs, especially for operations such as satellite servicing, rendezvous, proximity operations, and de-orbiting. Projects must ensure compatibility with military command and control systems and leverage synergies with existing and future EU civilian research. The scope covers the armed forces and Ministries of Defence in the specified regions.

• Projects must include feasibility studies for on-orbit operations and services with a dual-use (civil and defence) approach.
• They should develop a demonstrator ready for launch, meeting specific operational and performance requirements.
• Proposals must analyze technical feasibility, operational benefits, and provide technology roadmaps for defence-related space operations.
• Projects must show how they build on or complement existing EU-funded civilian programmes to avoid duplication and increase cost-effectiveness.
• The developed capability should enable multiple in-orbit operations on military satellites, such as assembly, repair, integration, and refueling.
• Systems must include advanced robotics, cyber-resilience, secure communication, and threat detection features.

Examples:

• A project designing a robotic arm for satellite repair and refueling in orbit, ready for demonstration launch.
• An initiative developing secure communication protocols for in-orbit proximity operations between military satellites.
• A study creating a technology roadmap for integrating dual-use servicing modules into future European defence satellites.

• Feasibility studies and analyses for in-orbit operations
• Design and engineering of demonstrator systems
• Development and prototyping of space technologies
• Testing and validation of demonstrators
• Qualification and certification of new systems
• Integration of robotic and cyber-resilient components
• Development of secure communication and threat detection solutions
• Operational and performance assessments

Restrictions: Costs for prototypes already fully funded by previous projects are generally not eligible. Refer to the call document for full details on eligible and ineligible costs.

Budget for this grant: 49,000,000€

• Applicants must be from EU Member States or EDF Associated Countries.
• Proposals must comply with specified page limits and layout requirements.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Eligibility is limited to organizations meeting the country and partnership conditions outlined in the call document.
• Projects must address all mandatory activities and requirements described in the call.
• Exclusion criteria apply; applicants must not be subject to any disqualifying conditions.
• Consortia or partnerships may be required, depending on the specific call details.