Space critical Equipment for EU non-dependence – Space Refuelling Interface

Overview

Funding for the development and maturation of a space refuelling interface to reduce EU dependency on non-EU critical space equipment. Targets consortia capable of establishing resilient, trustable supply chains for high-performance space technologies.

Who Can Apply

Legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, or Iceland. Consortia must exclude entities directly or indirectly controlled by non-eligible countries unless guarantees demonstrate no negative impact on EU strategic interests. High-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment are ineligible.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 15,000,000 EUR.

What Is Funded

Development of a space refuelling interface to achieve EU non-dependence on critical space equipment. Activities must include:

• Maturation of supply chains, preferably fully EU-based or trustable non-EU alternatives.
• Technology development processes to avoid export restrictions (e.g., ITAR, EAR).
• Industrial technical roadmap and business plan for commercialization.
• Formal space evaluation/qualification, including applicable standards (e.g., EN, ECSS, ESCC) and a full data pack for qualification.
• Supply chain analysis, state-of-the-art review, and identification of non-EU export controls.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Target Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9.

Key Dates

Application deadline: 2026-09-02T22:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission 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

• Supply and availability of developed hardware, manufacturing, and assembly processes must be guaranteed to EU entities (plus Norway and Iceland) for up to four years post-project at fair market prices, without legal restrictions.
• Transfer of ownership or exclusive licensing of results requires prior notification to the granting authority, which may object within four years post-project.
• Display of the EU emblem on successfully qualified hardware packaging.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must demonstrate supply chain resilience, avoiding non-EU export restrictions.
• Complementarity with national or other EU-level activities must be clearly described.
• Proposals targeting TRL 5 or higher must include a list of applicable standards and a full qualification data pack.
• Subcontractors must be established in eligible countries unless otherwise agreed with the granting authority.