Digital solutions for autonomy for space transportation systems, design and simulation tools - Digital enablers and building blocks (Space Partnership)

Overview

Funding for research and innovation in digital solutions that enhance autonomy, sustainability, and competitiveness in space transportation systems, including design and simulation tools. Targets consortia of industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia developing advanced algorithms, eco-design tools, and autonomous landing technologies.

Who Can Apply

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 apply if listed as eligible at the time of submission. Participation is restricted for entities directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries unless specific guarantees are provided.

Funding Details

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

What Is Funded

• Autonomy, data fusion, navigation, and mission planning, including advanced algorithms for process automation and autonomous flight termination systems.
• Eco-design guidelines and digital tools for end-to-end space transportation systems, including Model-Based System Engineering and atmospheric impact modeling.
• Landing solutions for reusability, specifically navigation data fusion for autonomous landing.
• Use of existing EU technologies and building blocks to ensure non-dependence and competitiveness.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-03-08
• Deadline: 2027-09-01

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Proposals must include a compulsory questionnaire on ownership and control, assembled by the coordinator and uploaded as a single file.

Post-Award Obligations

Projects must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data if applicable. Reporting and dissemination requirements are outlined in the grant agreement.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must demonstrate complementarity with existing EU-funded projects and national or ESA activities.
• Gender dimension integration is required only if relevant to the research objectives.
• Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment are ineligible unless specific guarantees are provided.