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

Overview

The Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-33 focuses on "Digital enablers and building blocks for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunications for Space solutions." This is a Research and Innovation Action available under the broader Horizon Europe 2026-2027 work programme, specifically within the Digital, Industry, and Space cluster. The call aims to enhance the competitiveness of the EU space sector through digitalization, particularly impacting satellite communications and Earth observation technologies.

The call has a planned opening date of March 9, 2027, with a submission deadline of September 2, 2027. It employs a single-stage submission process. The estimated total budget for this call is €4 million, with funding ranging from €1.5 million to €3 million per project. This funding is distributed as lump sum grants under the HORIZON Lump Sum Grant model.

Eligible applicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and associated countries which include Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The call encourages collaborative projects involving various stakeholders such as industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia, targeting a consortium-based approach, although single applications may be accepted.

The focus of funded projects will be on developing technologies at low to mid Technology Readiness Levels. Proposals are expected to promote synergies between satellite communications and Earth observation, aiming for improved operational resilience and energy efficiency, and enhanced capabilities such as in-orbit reconfigurability. The call also emphasizes the need for compliance with EU strategic interests, requiring satellite-based projects to utilize the Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems.

The estimated success rate for this funding opportunity is likely below 10%, as only two grants are expected from a pool of anticipated applications, indicative of a highly competitive process. Co-funding requirements are not explicitly mentioned, but applicants may need to secure additional resources from consortium partners, particularly as the call favors comprehensive collaborations that can swiftly translate technological innovations into commercial applications.

Overall, this call aims to foster innovation in the space sector through collaboration, strategic use of European technologies, and a focus on developing key digital capabilities that can serve both commercial and public interests in space operations.

Detail

This is a Horizon Europe call, specifically HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-33, focusing on "Digital enablers and building blocks for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunications for Space solutions (Space Partnership)". It falls under the SPACE call (HORIZON-CL4-2027-03) and aims to foster the EU's space sector competitiveness through digitalization. The type of action is HORIZON-RIA (Research and Innovation Actions), utilizing a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] Model Grant Agreement. The call follows a single-stage deadline model. The planned opening date is 09 March 2027, and the deadline for submission is 02 September 2027, 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of projects funded under this topic include:
Next generation Earth observation and SatCom payloads, technologies and processing means (on ground and in space).
Security of SatCom and EO services, supporting next-generation technologies for both ground and space commercial applications.

The scope of the call encompasses actions within the co-programmed European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (‘Space Partnership’) in areas of satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO), and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions. It is part of activities related to digital developments under the heading of “digitalisation for commercial space solutions”. Digitalisation is considered a major enabler for enhancing the value of an End-to-End EO and SatCom system. The focus is on Low to Mid TRL level developments of key technologies required to strengthen competitiveness in these domains, with a dedicated focus on synergies between Earth observation and Satellite telecommunication technologies.

The areas of Research and Innovation (R&I) that need to be addressed to achieve the expected outcomes include:
R&I on End-to-End SatCom Mission capabilities for increased robustness, energy efficient connectivity and compatibility with 5G & 6G waveforms such as constellation and network software management systems and optical communications, including both space and ground-based assets, and digital on-ground infrastructure to test and enhance operational efficiency.
R&I on building blocks and processes common to EO and SatCom systems allowing for in-orbit reconfigurability, faster data availability, on-board and on-ground smart computing and improved operation resilience.

Proposals are expected to promote cooperation between different actors (industry, SMEs, research institutions and infrastructures and academia) and consider opportunities to quickly turn technological innovation into commercial use in space. Projects are expected to use existing EU technologies and/or building blocks, including at component level, contributing to EU non-dependence and strengthen competitiveness. Proposed activities should be complementary to H2020 and Horizon Europe funded projects, national activities, and activities funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). The topic contributes to the implementation of the European Partnership on ‘Globally Competitive Space Systems’ (GCSS). 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.

Regarding the general conditions, the proposal page limit and layout are described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.

Participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New-Zealand, United Kingdom and Switzerland. Entities established in third countries which may become associated to Horizon Europe during 2026 and 2027 may be eligible to participate in this topic if the third country is identified for this topic as an eligible country in the List of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe at the time of submission of the application. In any case, the association agreement to the Programme must apply by the time of the signature of the grant agreement.

Entities established in an eligible country but directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or entity may not participate unless they can demonstrate that their participation would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security. Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment cannot submit guarantees.

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021.

Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme. Application form templates are available in the Submission System, including a standard application form (HE RIA, IA) and evaluation form templates. Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide, Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA, call-specific instructions, a detailed budget table (HE LS), and guidance on "Lump sums - what do I need to know?". A compulsory questionnaire on the declaration of ownership and control must be filled by all project participants.

Additional documents include: HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

The budget overview for the call in 2027 is as follows:
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-12 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 5,000,000, contributions of EUR 2,000,000 to 3,000,000, 2 grants
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-21 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 980,000, contributions of EUR 800,000 to 1,000,000, 1 grant
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-33 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 4,000,000, contributions of EUR 1,500,000 to 3,000,000, 2 grants
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-34 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 26,000,000, contributions of EUR 5,000,000 to 10,000,000, 4 grants
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-71 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 29,200,000, contributions of EUR 14,000,000 to 15,000,000, 2 grants
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-83 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 490,000, contributions of EUR 250,000 to 300,000, 1 grant
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-84 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 490,000, contributions of EUR 250,000 to 300,000, 1 grant

Partner search announcements can be viewed and edited by LEARs, Account Administrators, or self-registrants. The submission system is planned to be opened on the date stated on the topic header.

This Horizon Europe call is about boosting the competitiveness of the European space sector by funding research and innovation in satellite communications and earth observation technologies. It's looking for projects that will make space-based services more flexible, secure, and efficient, particularly by using digital technologies to improve the collaboration between satellite communication and earth observation systems. The EU wants to ensure that these projects use European technology and don't create a dependency on non-EU sources. The call is open to a range of organizations, including businesses, research institutions, and SMEs, and it encourages them to work together to turn new technologies into commercial products. The funding comes as a lump sum, and there are specific rules about who can participate, especially regarding organizations controlled by non-EU countries.

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Breakdown

Eligible Applicant Types: The call is open to a wide range of applicants including industry, SMEs, research institutions and infrastructures, and academia. The call explicitly encourages cooperation between these different types of actors. The eligible applicants are legal entities established in Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Funding Type: The primary funding mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, under the Horizon Europe Programme. Both HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) are utilized.

Consortium Requirement: The call encourages cooperation between different actors, implying that a consortium is preferred, although the specific requirements for a consortium versus a single applicant are not explicitly stated.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is limited to legal entities established in Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Target Sector: The program targets the space sector, specifically focusing on satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO), and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions. It also targets digital technologies and digitalization for commercial space solutions, 5G and 6G waveforms, optical communications, and smart computing.

Mentioned Countries: Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Switzerland, EU Member States.

Project Stage: The program focuses on projects with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) in the low to mid range.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call, with the following ranges:
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-12: €2,000,000 to €3,000,000 (total budget €5,000,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-21: €800,000 to €1,000,000 (total budget €980,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-33: €1,500,000 to €3,000,000 (total budget €4,000,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-34: €5,000,000 to €10,000,000 (total budget €26,000,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-71: €14,000,000 to €15,000,000 (total budget €29,200,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-83: €250,000 to €300,000 (total budget €490,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-84: €250,000 to €300,000 (total budget €490,000)

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic is provided, allowing for an estimation of the potential success rate based on the number of expected applications.

Co-funding Requirement: The need for co-funding is not explicitly mentioned.

Summary:
This Horizon Europe call, under the SPACE designation (HORIZON-CL4-2027-03), aims to foster research and innovation in the space sector, specifically focusing on satellite communication, Earth observation, and new commercial space transportation solutions. It is part of the broader effort to promote the digitalization of commercial space solutions. The call encourages collaboration between industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia to develop key technologies that will enhance the competitiveness of the EU's space sector. Projects should focus on low to mid TRL level developments and leverage existing EU technologies and building blocks. The call is open to entities from EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and the application process consists of a single stage. The call includes multiple topics with varying budget allocations, ranging from €490,000 to €29,200,000, and different expected outcomes related to next-generation payloads, security of space services, and increased robustness and efficiency of SatCom missions. The call contributes to the implementation of the European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (GCSS).

Short Summary

Impact
This funding aims to enhance the competitiveness of the European space sector by supporting research and innovation in satellite communications and Earth observation technologies, focusing on digital enablers and collaborative solutions.
Applicant
Applicants should possess expertise in space technologies, digital innovation, and collaborative project management, with a strong emphasis on multi-stakeholder cooperation.
Developments
The funding will support projects that develop digital enablers and building blocks for Earth observation and satellite telecommunications, particularly at low to mid Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).
Applicant Type
This funding is designed for legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, including industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia.
Consortium
The funding encourages a consortium-based approach, promoting cooperation among various stakeholders in the space sector.
Funding Amount
The funding amount ranges from €1,500,000 to €3,000,000 per project, with a total budget of €4,000,000 for the call.
Countries
Relevant countries include EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, due to their strategic importance in space technology development.
Industry
This funding targets the space sector, specifically focusing on satellite communications, Earth observation, and digital technologies for commercial space solutions.

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