Digital enablers and building blocks for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunications for Space solutions (Space Partnership)

Overview

Funding for low to mid-technology readiness level (TRL 4-6) research and innovation in digital enablers for collaborative Earth Observation (EO) and Satellite Telecommunications (SatCom) systems. Targets consortia developing next-generation payloads, processing technologies, and secure services to enhance EU competitiveness in commercial space applications.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland. Entities from third countries that become associated to Horizon Europe by 2027 may also participate if listed as eligible at the time of submission. Entities directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries must provide guarantees demonstrating no negative impact on EU strategic interests.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 15,000,000 EUR per project. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

Research and innovation in:

• End-to-end SatCom mission capabilities, including constellation and network software management, optical communications, and digital ground infrastructure.
• Building blocks and processes common to EO and SatCom systems, enabling in-orbit reconfigurability, faster data availability, smart computing (on-board and on-ground), and improved operational resilience.
• Security of SatCom and EO services for commercial applications.

Projects must leverage existing EU technologies or building blocks to support non-dependence and competitiveness.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target TRL 4 (technology validated in lab), TRL 5 (technology validated in relevant environment), or TRL 6 (technology demonstrated in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-03-08
• Deadline: 2027-09-01T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout described in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. A compulsory questionnaire on ownership and control must be submitted as part of the application.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• Projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data and services if satellite-based EO, positioning, navigation, or timing data is utilized.
• Proposals must demonstrate complementarity with existing EU-funded projects, national activities, and ESA initiatives.
• Gender dimension integration is required only if relevant to the research objectives.
• Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment (or those owned/controlled by such suppliers) are ineligible unless they provide approved guarantees.