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

The Horizon Europe grant opportunity, HORIZON-CL4, is aimed at promoting digital solutions for autonomy in space transportation systems. This initiative encourages the development of design and simulation tools, focusing on digital enablers and building blocks necessary for enhancing the European space sector's competitiveness. Eligible applicants for this grant include a diverse range of entities such as research institutions, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large enterprises. The application process encourages the formation of consortia composed of at least three entities from different EU member states or associated countries, enhancing cross-sector cooperation. The funding type is a lump sum grant, specifically a Horizon Europe Lump Sum Grant, with a total budget of €10 million allocated for this call, anticipated to allocate around €10 million for each project, effectively covering 100% of eligible costs. The call operates as a single-stage submission process, with applications due by September 25, 2025, 17:00:00 Brussels time. The geographical scope for applicant eligibility includes EU member states, EEA countries, associated countries, and occasionally allows international partners under specific conditions. The target sector encompasses space technology and digital technologies, specifically focusing on aspects like satellite communication, Earth observation, and new commercial space transportation solutions. Projects submitted under this grant are expected to operate within the low to mid Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, concentrating on prototyping and validating essential technologies aimed at improving autonomy and reducing costs in space transportation systems. Success rates for similar Horizon Europe calls typically range between 10% and 39%, indicating a competitive landscape for grants. Notably, there are no co-funding requirements. In summary, this grant is positioned to significantly advance the integration of digital technologies into space transportation, with a strong emphasis on collaboration among various sectors and organizations. The initiative also aligns with broader goals set by Horizon Europe to bolster Europe’s strategic interests in the space sector while enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of space missions.

This is a Horizon Europe call for proposals under the SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02) call, focusing on digital solutions for autonomy in space transportation systems, design, and simulation tools, specifically targeting digital enablers and building blocks. It falls under the co-programmed European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (‘Space Partnership’) and aims to foster digitalization for commercial space solutions, satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO), and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions. The call emphasizes low to mid Technology Readiness Level (TRL) building blocks to enhance competitiveness in space transportation, focusing on areas like health monitoring systems, high-speed sensor networks, smart avionics, autonomy, enhanced communication, high-speed on-board computers, and AI algorithms. The expected outcomes include improved space transportation systems, launcher sustainability, reduced costs, enhanced system monitoring and autonomy, technology developments for New Space Transportation Solutions (including software and digital tools), and models for mission/system design integrating lifecycle analysis and engineering/environmental models. The scope includes maturation of eco-design software tools for in-orbit reconfigurability and disruptive technologies related to digitalization. Proposals should promote cooperation between industry, SMEs, and research institutions, aiming for commercial use of technological innovations in space. Synergies with existing European technologies, H2020, Horizon Europe projects, national activities, and ESA activities are encouraged. Projects are expected to report results to the European Partnership ‘Globally Competitive Space Systems’ (GCSS) to support KPI monitoring. The integration of the gender dimension is to be addressed if relevant. The call is a single-stage submission process. The opening date is May 22, 2025, and the deadline is September 25, 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum. Participation is limited to legal entities from Member States, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate under specific guarantees. Beneficiaries using satellite-based data must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. The following topics are available with their respective budgets and indicative number of grants: HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-11 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions with a budget of €1 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant. HORIZON-CL4 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €3 000 000, expecting to award 2 grants, with contributions ranging from 1 000 000 to €3 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-13 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions with a budget of €7 000 000, expecting to award 2 grants, with contributions ranging from 4 000 000 to €7 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €18 000 000, expecting to award 2 grants, with contributions ranging from 6 000 000 to €12 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-22 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €17 500 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with contributions ranging from 12 000 000 to €17 500 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-23 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €12 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with contributions ranging from 10 000 000 to €12 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-24 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €5 000 000, expecting to award 2 grants, with contributions ranging from 2 000 000 to €3 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-31 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €6 000 000, expecting to award 3 grants, with contributions ranging from 1 000 000 to €5 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-32 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions with a budget of €11 000 000, expecting to award 3 grants, with contributions ranging from 2 000 000 to €6 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-41 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €10 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with a contribution of around €10 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-42 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €3 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with a contribution of around €3 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-43 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €3 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with a contribution of around €3 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-44 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €5 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with a contribution of around €5 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-45 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €12 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with a contribution of around €12 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-46 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions with a budget of €5 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with a contribution of around €5 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-71 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €5 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with contributions ranging from 4 500 000 to €5 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-72 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €8 000 000, expecting to award 2 grants, with contributions ranging from 3 500 000 to €4 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-73 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €1 000 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with contributions ranging from 800 000 to €1 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-74 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €6 000 000, expecting to award 2 grants, with contributions ranging from 2 500 000 to €3 000 000. HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-81 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of €500 000, expecting to award 1 grant, with contributions ranging from 450 000 to €500 000. Applicants are encouraged to use the partner search announcements and National Contact Points (NCPs) for guidance and support. All project participants must fill a compulsory questionnaire on the declaration of ownership and control. In summary, this Horizon Europe call aims to bolster the competitiveness and sustainability of the European space sector by funding research and innovation in digital technologies for space transportation, focusing on autonomy, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. It seeks to bridge the gap between technological innovation and commercial application, fostering collaboration and synergy across various stakeholders and initiatives. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and the call has specific eligibility criteria related to the origin and control of participating entities to safeguard the Union's strategic interests.

Eligible Applicant Types:The call is open to a variety of actors including industry, SMEs, and research institutions. The call seeks to promote cooperation between these different types of entities.

Funding Type:The funding type is primarily grant-based, utilizing Horizon Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and Horizon Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), as well as Coordination and Support Actions (CSA). The eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.

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, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate under specific conditions and guarantees.

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.

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

Project Stage:The program focuses on Low to Mid Technology Readiness Level (TRL) building blocks for key technologies. It supports the maturation of eco-design software tools and disruptive technologies.

Funding Amount:The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic and type of action:

HORIZON-CSA:around €1,000,000

HORIZON-RIA:ranging from €500,000 to €17,500,000, with specific ranges mentioned for different topics.

HORIZON-IA:ranging from €5,000,000 to €11,000,000, with specific ranges mentioned for different topics.

Application Type:The application type is a single-stage open call.

Nature of Support:Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of lump sum contributions to cover eligible costs.

Application Stages:The application process is a single-stage process.

Success Rates:The indicative number of grants is specified for each topic, but the success rates are not explicitly mentioned.

Co-funding Requirement:Co-funding requirements are not explicitly mentioned.

Summary:

This Horizon Europe call, under the SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02) framework, aims to bolster the European space sector's competitiveness through research and innovation in satellite communication, Earth Observation, and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions. It is part of a broader initiative to integrate digital technologies into commercial space applications. The call targets projects focusing on low to mid-TRL technology building blocks, promoting sustainability, reducing costs, and enhancing autonomy in space transportation systems.

Eligible applicants include industries, SMEs, and research institutions from EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The funding is provided as lump-sum grants, with varying amounts allocated to different topics and action types, including Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), and Innovation Actions (IA).

The call emphasizes cooperation between different actors and encourages proposals that explore synergies with existing European technologies and projects, including those funded by H2020, Horizon Europe, and the European Space Agency (ESA). It also requires beneficiaries to report on results to the European Partnership ‘Globally Competitive Space Systems’ (GCSS) to support the monitoring of its KPIs.

The application process is a single-stage submission, with a deadline of September 25, 2025. Applicants are required to complete a compulsory questionnaire on the declaration of ownership and control. The call seeks to improve space transportation systems, foster technology developments, and create models for mission design and optimization, contributing to the EU's strategic assets, interests, autonomy, and security in the space sector.