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

The Horizon Europe call titled "HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-12: Digital solutions for autonomy for space transportation systems, design and simulation tools - Digital enablers and building blocks" is set to become available on March 9, 2027, with a submission deadline of September 2, 2027. This funding opportunity is part of the Space Partnership initiative, focusing on advancing digital solutions for space transportation systems.

The call is open to various applicant types, including industries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research institutions, and academic entities. It encourages collaboration among these different actors to foster innovation. The funding will be provided through a lump sum grant mechanism, with each project expected to receive between €2,000,000 to €3,000,000, totaling an indicative budget of €5,000,000 for approximately two grants.

Eligible applicants must be established in EU Member States, including Iceland, Norway, and several Associated Countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants face specific conditions related to security and must ensure participation does not jeopardize EU strategic interests.

The opportunity targets various sectors within the space industry, focusing on areas such as space transportation systems, autonomy, data fusion, navigation, mission planning, and developing software tools for space applications. The aim is to mature disruptive digital technologies, promoting competitiveness in the European space sector while reducing costs and enhancing sustainability.

The application process is a single-stage, requiring complete proposals by the deadline, without prior pre-screening. Although no minimum consortium size is explicitly stated, collaborative projects are strongly encouraged, and a collaborative approach is implied as a requirement for successful proposals.

The anticipated project maturity level is geared toward demonstration and commercialization, with a goal of turning technological innovations rapidly into practical applications within the space sector.

Success rates are estimated to be competitive, likely around 10-39%, based on historical trends and budget allocations. Co-funding requirements are not explicitly specified, and the focus is primarily on the maturity and implementation of cutting-edge digital technologies that align with existing EU infrastructure.

This grant initiative emphasizes the integration of existing EU technologies to minimize dependency on non-EU sources and strengthen the strategic position of Europe in the global space sector. The overall objective is to support the transition from research and innovation to commercial utilizations effectively, reinforcing the Union's autonomy and strategic interests in digital space technologies.

This is a Horizon Europe (HORIZON) call under the SPACE (HORIZON-CL4-2027-03) program, focusing on "Digital solutions for autonomy for space transportation systems, design and simulation tools Digital enablers and building blocks (Space Partnership)". The call is for HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] type of Model Grant Agreement (MGA). It is a forthcoming, single-stage deadline model with a planned opening date of 09 March 2027 and a deadline of 02 September 2027 at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcome of this topic is to contribute to the co-programmed European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (‘Space Partnership’) in areas like satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO), and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions. It aims to foster digital developments under the umbrella of “digitalisation for commercial space solutions”. Specifically, it targets the maturation of disruptive digital technologies to enhance competitiveness in the domain of Access to Space and New Space Transportation Solutions.

Project results should contribute to:
Improved space transportation systems and launcher sustainability, reduced costs and operational constraints, and enhanced system monitoring and autonomy.
Innovative technologies for New Space Transportation Solutions, including addressing software and digital tools.
Developing and deploying global space-based services applications and data, fostering the EU's space sector competitiveness and sustainability.

The scope of the call involves R&I to address the maturation of disruptive digital technologies for competitiveness and sustainability. Research and innovation should focus on one or more of the following areas:
Autonomy, data fusion, navigation, mission planning, and advanced algorithms for process automation and autonomous flight termination systems.
Eco-design guidelines for end-to-end aspects and software design tools, including digital models of launch systems using Model-Based System Engineering, and modelling/simulation of space activity impact on the atmosphere.
Landing solutions for reusability, specifically navigation data fusion for autonomous landing.

Proposals should promote cooperation between industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia, and consider opportunities for commercializing technological innovations in space. Projects are expected to utilize existing EU technologies and building blocks, contributing to EU non-dependence and strengthening competitiveness. Activities should be complementary to H2020, Horizon Europe funded projects, national activities, and ESA activities. The topic contributes to the implementation of the co-programmed European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (GCSS), and the integration of the gender dimension should be addressed where relevant.

The admissibility conditions include proposal page limits and layout as described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form.

Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific provisions exist for non-EU/non-Associated Countries.

Other eligible conditions include the mandatory use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS for projects using satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and related timing data and services. Participation is limited to legal entities from Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may face restrictions unless guarantees are provided to ensure no negative impact on the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security.

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Eligible proposals exceeding evaluation thresholds will be awarded a STEP Seal. Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes are detailed in Annex F and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is also in Annex F.

Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. Legal and financial setup is described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific conditions in the topic description.

Application and evaluation forms, and the model grant agreement (MGA) are available in the Submission System. Guidance documents include the HE Programme Guide, Lump Sum MGA, call-specific instructions, a detailed budget table, and guidance on lump sums. A declaration of ownership and control is compulsory for all project participants.

Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, the decision authorizing lump sum contributions, rules for legal entity validation, and the EU Grants AGA.

The budget overview for 2027 includes:
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-12 (HORIZON-IA): EUR 5,000,000, contributions ranging from EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000, with an indicative number of 2 grants.
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-21 (HORIZON-RIA): EUR 980,000, contributions ranging from EUR 800,000 to EUR 1,000,000, with an indicative number of 1 grant.
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-33 (HORIZON-RIA): EUR 4,000,000, contributions ranging from EUR 1,500,000 to EUR 3,000,000, with an indicative number of 2 grants.
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-34 (HORIZON-IA): EUR 26,000,000, contributions ranging from EUR 5,000,000 to EUR 10,000,000, with an indicative number of 4 grants.
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-71 (HORIZON-RIA): EUR 29,200,000, contributions ranging from EUR 14,000,000 to EUR 15,000,000, with an indicative number of 2 grants.
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-83 (HORIZON-RIA): EUR 490,000, contributions ranging from EUR 250,000 to EUR 300,000, with an indicative number of 1 grant.
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-84 (HORIZON-RIA): EUR 490,000, contributions ranging from EUR 250,000 to EUR 300,000, with an indicative number of 1 grant.

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This Horizon Europe call aims to bolster the European space sector by funding research and innovation in digital technologies for space transportation. It seeks to improve the sustainability, reduce the costs, and enhance the autonomy of space transportation systems. The call encourages collaboration between various stakeholders, including industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia, to translate technological advancements into commercial applications. By focusing on disruptive digital technologies and promoting the use of existing EU technologies, this initiative aims to strengthen the EU's competitiveness and reduce its dependence on non-EU sources in the space sector. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and successful projects will receive a STEP Seal, highlighting their strategic importance.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia. The call encourages cooperation between these different actors.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, under the Horizon Europe Programme. There are both HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) and HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) available.

Consortium Requirement: The call encourages cooperation between different actors, suggesting that a consortium is preferred, although not explicitly stated as mandatory.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States, Iceland, and Norway, as well as the associated countries Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Entities from third countries that may become associated with Horizon Europe during 2026 and 2027 may also be eligible if their country is identified as eligible at the time of application.

Target Sector: The program targets the space sector, specifically satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO), and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions. It is also part of digital developments under the heading of "digitalisation for commercial space solutions". The program focuses on the maturation of disruptive/game-changing digital technologies.

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

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on the maturation of disruptive/game-changing digital technologies, suggesting a development and validation stage, with an aim to quickly turn technological innovation into commercial use in space.

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

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 is a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants is provided for each topic, which can be used to estimate the potential success rate based on the number of expected proposals.

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

Summary:
This Horizon Europe call, under the SPACE (HORIZON-CL4-2027-03) designation, aims to foster innovation and research in the space sector, specifically focusing on satellite communication, Earth Observation, and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions. It is part of a broader initiative to promote digital developments for commercial space solutions. The call seeks to mature disruptive digital technologies to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the space domain. Eligible applicants include industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia from EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, with potential eligibility for entities from countries that may associate with Horizon Europe in the future. The funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and the application process involves a single stage. The call encourages cooperation between different actors to translate technological innovation into commercial use in space, with a focus on utilizing existing EU technologies and complementing activities funded by H2020, Horizon Europe, and the European Space Agency (ESA). The specific areas of interest include autonomy, data fusion, navigation, mission planning, eco-design guidelines, software design tools, and landing solutions for reusability. The call also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the Union's strategic assets and avoiding technological dependency on non-EU sources.