ISOS Pilot Mission Detailed Design – Logistics component

The EU funding opportunity titled "ISOS Pilot Mission Detailed Design – Logistics component" is part of the Horizon Europe program, specifically aimed at enhancing capabilities for in-space logistics. The call is categorized under HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with an open submission process that began on May 22, 2025, and will close on September 25, 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time.

This initiative seeks to develop essential components for a future space service infrastructure, facilitating the EU's autonomous actions in space by the year 2030. The project will focus on establishing a sustainable, automated logistics system capable of transporting cargo like satellite applications and propellant from an upper stage to a HOST component. The mission aims to propel the creation of a new in-space economy and enhance the EU's technological independence.

Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, and consortia with skills in space technologies. Participants must be established in EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.

The funding amount ranges from €1 million to €17.5 million, varying based on specific project topics. The single-stage application process requires proposals to demonstrate the maturation of key enabling technologies and a clear plan for technology readiness by the project's conclusion.

Proposals should promote collaboration among various entities and exploit existing research from previous EU initiatives, such as Horizon 2020 and projects from the European Space Agency. Additionally, gender considerations should be integrated where relevant.

Key expected outcomes include sustainable space infrastructure development, preparation for the ISOS pilot mission, detailed design for logistics components, and clear business models targeting government and commercial needs. The initiative supports the objectives of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, emphasizing the development of critical technologies for European competitiveness in the space sector.

Proposals must adhere to specific guidelines, including page limits and participation criteria, and will be evaluated based on quality, innovation, and alignment with mission objectives. This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in the EU's strategic autonomy in space operations and its overall space economy.

The EU funding opportunity HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-23, titled "ISOS Pilot Mission Detailed Design Logistics component", is a call for proposals under the Horizon Europe (HORIZON) program, specifically the SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02) call. It falls under the category of HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA) and utilizes a HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG] model grant agreement.

The call is currently open for submission with a single-stage deadline. The opening date was 22 May 2025, and the deadline for submission is 25 September 2025 at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The primary objective of this topic is to foster the development of capabilities that enable the EU to ‘Act in Space’. This will be achieved through the demonstration of a pilot mission related to In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) by 2030. The ISOS pilot mission aims to establish essential components for a future service infrastructure accessible to the European in-space ecosystem, including EU assets. This initiative is expected to drive the creation of a new in-space economy, enhance in-orbit technology demonstration, and maximize EU technology non-dependence.

The pilot mission is designed to significantly contribute to the EU’s freedom of action in space, enhance the resilience and protection of EU space assets, and stimulate the growth of the new in-space economy. It envisions a pioneering and novel mission concept, setting it apart from other initiatives worldwide. The mission will build upon existing Research and Innovation (R&I) efforts, focusing on an operational mission concept with application and service demonstrations geared towards commercial and governmental use. The detailed mission concept will be developed in close collaboration with EU Member States and EEA countries through a dedicated ISOS Pilot Mission Advisory Group (PMAG).

This specific topic focuses on the detailed design of the logistics component of the ISOS pilot mission. This component will be responsible for transporting cargo, including satAPPs (satellite applications) and propellant, from an upper stage to the HOST component.

The expected outcomes of the projects funded under this topic include:

Development of a sustainable, highly automated, flexible, and economically viable space infrastructure, incorporating technologies and concepts for a circular economy in space, such as plug-and-play spacecraft functionality and recycling/re-use of spacecraft modules/functionalities.

Preparation for the ISOS Pilot mission, including detailed mission and system design for the logistics component, maturation of enabling technologies, and innovative system and operational concepts.

Elaboration of interfaces between the different mission components, including servicing, HOST, satAPPs, and the ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination and Support Action (CSA).

Contribution to the ISOS Pilot Mission Objectives as outlined in the technical annex.

Development of clear use cases and relevant business models that focus on governmental and/or commercial needs.

Ensuring the availability of project results for subsequent mission phases.

The scope of the R&I actions to be addressed includes:

Research and Innovation to complete the ISOS Pilot mission detailed mission and system design, including key technology maturation, for the logistics component, demonstrating the achievement of the required Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for all relevant technologies.

Research and Innovation on key enabling technologies for the design of a logistics component capable of transporting cargo (satAPPs and propellant) from an upper stage to the HOST component.

Research and Innovation on solutions for docking and propellant management and transfer with the HOST, with encouragement to build on existing European designs.

Contribution to the overall ISOS pilot mission detail design in close cooperation with other mission components, the ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination and Support Action, and the ISOS Pilot Mission Advisory Group.

Proposals are expected to foster cooperation among industry, SMEs, and research institutions, and to explore opportunities for commercializing technological innovations in space.

A concrete plan for ensuring that required technologies reach the necessary TRL by the project's end must be presented in the proposals. Complementarities with previous and ongoing R&I for the proposed servicing component should be clearly described. Proposals should explore relevant solutions from Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, and other EU-funded activities, particularly the Future Space Ecosystem topics (HORIZON-CL4-2021-SPACE-01-12/ 2022-SPACE-01-11/ 2023-SPACE-01-12), as well as relevant projects funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and/or national programmes. The use of existing European technologies and building blocks, including at the component level, is also expected to be considered to contribute to European non-dependence and strengthen competitiveness.

Proposals should consider and contribute to a balanced provision of expertise and capabilities from Member States and eligible Associated Countries to the overall ISOS pilot mission, supporting the successful introduction of the strategic capacity ‘Act in Space’ for the EU and its Member States.

This topic contributes to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) and addresses Space technologies within the sectors of “digital technologies” and “deep tech innovation”. It aligns with the objectives of the STEP Regulation, such as developing critical technologies and strengthening their EU value chain, contributing to advancing digital capabilities in space and enhancing the sustainability and agility of the EU's space assets.

The integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed if relevant to the research effort's objectives.

The selected project is expected to collaborate with projects selected under topics HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21, 22, 24, and the ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination and Support Action. This collaboration aims to ensure interoperability, information sharing, economies of scale, best practices, common processes, efficient monitoring, and dissemination activities, formalized through a collaboration agreement.

The general conditions for this call include:

The proposal page limit is 60 pages, following the layout 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 listed in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 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 must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS if projects involve satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or related timing data and services.

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

Evaluation and award criteria are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Eligible proposals exceeding evaluation thresholds will receive a STEP Seal. The granting authority can fund a maximum of one project.

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.

Legal and financial setup of the grants are described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

The Guidance Document for the EU ISOS Pilot Mission provides detailed information on the mission's objectives, boundary conditions, and high-level requirements.

Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreements (MGA) are available in the Submission System, including the standard application form (HE RIA, IA) and standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA).

Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2025, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, and related guidance and regulations.

The budget overview for this topic is 12,000,000 EUR for the year 2025. The opening date is 22 May 2025, and the deadline is 25 September 2025. The indicative number of grants is 1.

There are 19 partner search announcements available for collaboration on this topic.

This funding opportunity aims to design the logistics component for the ISOS pilot mission, a key step in establishing a European in-space service infrastructure. It seeks proposals that detail how to transport cargo, such as satellites and propellant, in space, emphasizing innovation, commercial viability, and European non-dependence. The EU is investing in projects that can demonstrate a clear path to developing a sustainable and competitive space economy, ensuring its strategic autonomy in space operations. Applicants should focus on research and innovation activities that mature key technologies, promote collaboration among various stakeholders, and align with the broader objectives of the Horizon Europe program and the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform. The ultimate goal is to develop a robust and versatile logistics system that supports future in-space services and operations, enhancing the EU's capabilities and competitiveness in the global space sector.

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

Funding Type: The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) or a HORIZON Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA) or a HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA). The grants are budget-based.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity encourages cooperation between different actors, suggesting a consortium is preferred, but it does not explicitly exclude single applicants.

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

Target Sector: The target sector is space, specifically focusing on digital technologies and deep tech innovation within the space sector. This includes in-space operations and services (ISOS), space-based services, and development of the European space sector competitiveness.

Mentioned Countries: Member States, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, European Space Agency (ESA) member states, EEA countries.

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on detailed design, technology maturation, and system design for a logistics component. This suggests a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between development and demonstration. The call specifies that required technologies should reach the necessary TRL at the end of the project.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call, ranging from EUR 500,000 to EUR 17,500,000.
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-11 - HORIZON-CSA: around EUR 1,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-12 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-13 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 7,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 6,000,000 to EUR 12,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-22 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 12,000,000 to EUR 17,500,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-23 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 10,000,000 to EUR 12,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-24 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-31 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 5,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-32 - HORIZON-IA: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 6,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-41 - HORIZON-RIA: around EUR 10,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-42 - HORIZON-RIA: around EUR 3,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-43 - HORIZON-RIA: around EUR 3,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-44 - HORIZON-RIA: around EUR 5,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-45 - HORIZON-RIA: around EUR 12,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-46 - HORIZON-IA: around EUR 5,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-71 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 4,500,000 to EUR 5,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-72 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 3,500,000 to EUR 4,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-73 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 800,000 to EUR 1,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-74 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 2,500,000 to EUR 3,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-81 - HORIZON-RIA: EUR 450,000 to EUR 500,000

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

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of grants to fund their research and innovation activities.

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

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the granting authority can fund a maximum of one project for some topics, which implies a low success rate for those specific topics. Other topics may fund 2 or 3 projects.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call (SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02)) focuses on the detailed design of the logistics component for the In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) pilot mission, aiming to develop capabilities to ‘Act in Space’ by 2030. The call seeks to fund Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA) to create a sustainable, automated, and economically viable space infrastructure. The logistics component will transport cargo, such as satAPPs and propellant, from an upper stage to a HOST component. Eligible applicants include industry, SMEs, and research institutions from EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The funding ranges from EUR 500,000 to EUR 17,500,000 depending on the specific topic. The application process is a single-stage open call with a deadline of September 25, 2025. The selected project is expected to collaborate with other related projects and contribute to the overall ISOS pilot mission objectives, fostering European space sector competitiveness and non-dependence.