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Home Funding Calls for proposals ISOS4I Pilot Mission Integrated Ground Test and consolidation of space-compatible USI solutions ISOS4I Pilot Mission Integrated Ground Test and consolidation of space-compatible USI solutions HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-21 Topic Call for proposal Internal navigation General information Topic description Destination Conditions and documents Budget overview Partner search announcements Start submission Topic Q&As Get support General information Programme Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Call SPACE (HORIZON-CL4-2027-03) Type of action HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions Type of MGA HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] Forthcoming Deadline model single-stage Planned opening date 09 March 2027 Deadline date 02 September 2027 17:00:00 Brussels time Topic description Expected Outcome: The strategic objective of this topic is to develop capabilities to ‘Act in Space’ through demonstrating in space a pilot mission by 2030 related to ISOS. The envisaged ISOS pilot mission shall provide the necessary seed components for a future service infrastructure, available to the European in-space ecosystem (including the EU assets), driving the generation of a new in-space economy, providing enhanced in-orbit technology demonstration and maximising EU technology non-dependence. This pilot mission will largely contribute to ensure EU’s freedom of action in space, increase the resilience and protection of EU assets in space and foster the development of the new in-space economy. A pioneering and a novel mission concept, which is unique compared to other initiatives among all space-faring nations is envisaged. The mission will build on previous R&I with an operational mission concept, focusing on application and service demonstration, with a concrete view to commercial and governmental usage. The detailed mission concept has been derived in close coordination with EU Member States and EEA countries through a dedicated Pilot Mission Advisory Group (PMAG). This topic addresses the validation of the developed ISOS4I mission components in an integrated ground test. The setup will integrate all mission components in a suitable test environment, including necessary simulation and control of the engineering/qualification models. Furthermore, the topic will address the qualification and verification of the Universal Service Interface (USI) solution(s) identified through the consolidation work done in the CSA[1]. Moreover, the activity shall support public outreach activities for the ISOS4I pilot mission. Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes, in close and continuous coordination with the European Commission services and the EU Member States through the ISOS Expert Group[2]: An in-space economy, building on innovative technologies and concepts for a sustainable infrastructure and value-adding services in space, e.g. plug-and-play spacecraft functionality introducing recycling/re-use of spacecraft modules/functionalities, and satellite upgrades and payload exchange for mission adaptivity; ISOS4I pilot mission preparation up to detailed mission and system detail design, and ground demonstrator, as well as promotion of the mission to the wider public. Consolidated and space-verified USI solution(s) for European space actors This topic will contribute to, in the medium to long term, developing, deploying global space-based services and contribute to fostering the European space sector competitiveness, as stated in the expected impact of this destination. Scope: To tackle the above expected outcomes, the following R&I actions should be addressed in the shortest possible timeframe taking into account the provided technical annex[3]: Supporting the ISOS Pilot mission detailed mission and system design, demonstrating in an integrated ground test (TRL6) the interoperability of the developed mission components ground prototypes (i.e., Servicing, HOST, Logistic and satAPPs) with all applicable servicing interfaces and the baseline demonstration scenarios as defined in the technical annex; Final maturation, verification and qualification (TRL7) of the consolidated USI solution(s) recommended by the ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination and Support Action, considering opportunities for IOD/V; Development of a ISOS4I promotion video and VR experience for dissemination purposes, showcasing the pilot mission concept with its baseline demonstration scenario and the evolution towards an in-space service infrastructure leading to manifold business opportunities as part of a wider in-space economy. Proposals are expected to promote cooperation between different actors (industry, SMEs and research institutions) and consider opportunities to quickly turn technological innovation into commercial use. Proposals should clearly describe how previous and/or ongoing R&I of the mission components and any required additional technologies for the proposed ground test will be integrated and involve entities part of the key technology and service provider group, as necessary. Moreover, proposals should clearly identify the test facility/ies to be used for the ground demonstrator. Finally, proposals should build on the outcome of the CSA activities on (1) “Proposal for an as much as possible integrated ground demonstrator bringing together the different mission components at the end of their detailed design phase” and (2) “Proposal for USIs consolidation, i.e., selection of a single USI European solution or approach allowing compatibility with multiple solutions (required for the HC)”. Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6-7 by the end of the project. The reference TRL definition is the ISO 16290:2013 applicable to the space sector. Proposals are expected to consider and contribute to a balanced provision of Member States’ and eligible Associated Countries’ expertise and capabilities to the overall ISOS pilot mission, to support a successful introduction of the strategic capacity ‘Act in Space’. The project selected from this topic will be a Linked Action and is expected to closely collaborate with those selected under topics HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21, 22, 23, 24 and ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination and Support Action, in order to ensure interoperability and the necessary and sufficient documentation and information sharing for the implementation of the Pilot Mission, to make economies of scale in sharing best practices, defining common processes for addressing the different challenges, ensuring efficient monitoring and review, organising dissemination and communication activities, etc. In this topic, the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort. null Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6-7 by the end of the project – see General Annex B. Activities may start at any TRL. [delete second sentence only if really necessary] [1] ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination and Support Action (HE CL4 Work Programme 2025) [2] Space Policy Expert Group - sub-group on ISOS [3] ISOS Pilot Mission Guidance Document Show more Topic destination Achieving open strategic autonomy in global space-based infrastructures, services, applications and data (2026-27) Today, EU citizens enjoy watching satellite TV, increasingly accurate global navigation services for all transport modes and users, extended Earth monitoring for land, marine, atmosphere and climate change, global meteorological observation and accurate cartographies of a wide number of variables. Space also makes important contributions to security crisis management and emergency services. The EU Space Programme components (such as EGNSS and Copernicus) are key assets for the EU policies on climate, environment, transport, agriculture and secure society. Finally, the Space sector is a source of economic growth and jobs. This Destination is structured along the following building blocks: Accessing Space, i.e. the ability to transport satellites, cargo, and humans into space; build and launch the required vehicles, including re-usable systems; and operate the related facilities and services. Using Space on Earth, i.e. the ability to provide space-based secure communication, navigation and Earth observation services and applications, including through the EU Space flagships Galileo, Copernicus and IRIS2. Monitoring Space, i.e. the ability to detect, track and anticipate the trajectory of spacecraft, Near-Earth objects, and space debris during their full lifetime; to share data with relevant stakeholders; and to provide solutions for safe international space traffic management. It also includes the tracking and anticipation of other impacts on the space environment, such as Space weather events. Acting in Space, i.e. the ability to inspect, rendezvous and dock, grasp, repair, refuel, reconfigure, build, assemble and disassemble, reuse/recycle, relocate, remove and transport operational, non-operational, and other objects in space, including platforms or larger structures. Exploring Space, i.e. the ability to conduct high profile space exploration activities, perform excellent science and exploit space data to increase our knowledge about the Universe and celestial bodies, with a view to their exploration for scientific and socio-economic benefits. Boosting Space, i.e. the ability to sustain the above strategic capabilities through fostering the competitiveness of the EU space sector; improving education and developing the required skills; accelerating the pace of innovation; supporting EU non-dependency on critical technologies; and strengthening international cooperation. Those building blocks are implemented through the following headings: Heading 1: Accessing Space Autonomous access to space is a prerequisite for the strategic autonomy of the EU. It is a key enabler and indispensable element in the space ecosystem and value chain. European launch systems allow the autonomous deployment of satellites for the Union’s flagships Copernicus, Galileo/EGNOS and IRIS2 and contribute to the security and resilience of Europe’s sovereign space infrastructure. In a context of fierce competition and launch services paradigm changes, ensuring that Europe improves the resilience and the cost-effectiveness of its autonomous access to space is crucial. This requires urgent activities to enable and further consolidate operational capacities before 2030 in line with the Strategic R&I Agenda for EU-funded Space research supporting competitiveness adopted in 2020. This challenge will be tackled by fostering space transportation solutions through the support to building blocks for smart technologies and digital solutions and through facilitating access to European spaceports. Heading 2: Acting in Space In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) will ensure EU’s freedom of action in space and increase the resilience, sustainability, safety and protection of its space infrastructure, and contribute to the strengthening of the competitiveness of its space sector. R&I activities should bring Europe to the forefront of emerging service applications, including inspection, rendezvous and docking, grasping, repair, reconfiguration, assembly and disassembly, manufacturing, resource extraction, reuse/recycling, removal and transport of objects in space, for satellites, platforms and larger structures. Key space R&I activities will be driven by a pilot mission that will contribute to establish and foster a new in-space economy. Game-changing innovations and enabling technologies are at the heart of ISOS and an important focus of future actions. The paradigm shift towards adaptive space systems builds on automation and robotics, artificial intelligence, modular and reconfigurable spacecraft concepts. Together with other enabling technologies such as electric propulsion, intelligent mechanisms and interfaces or advanced GNC, they [... συνέχεια στην επίσημη πρόσκληση]