Preparing demonstration missions for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions

The Horizon Europe grant opportunity is part of the SPACE-HADEA program, specifically HORIZON-CL4-2025-02. Its goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the European space industry through innovations in satellite communication, Earth Observation, and new commercial space transportation solutions. The focus lies on the digitalization of commercial space solutions, targeting mid to high Technology Readiness Levels.

Eligible applicants are expected to form consortia that include universities, research institutions, small and medium enterprises, large enterprises, and potentially nonprofit organizations, indicating a preference for collaboration among diverse entities. The grant operates on a Lump Sum Grant model and anticipates a single-stage submission process, with a deadline set for September 25, 2025.

Funding amounts are variable, ranging from 500,000 EUR to 18,000,000 EUR across different topics, with specific grants structured to ensure a balanced portfolio. This call emphasizes research and innovation areas, focusing on end-to-end satellite mission capabilities, onboard processing for optimizing Earth Observation data, and technologies applicable across both Earth Observation and satellite communication systems.

Geographically, the grant targets EU member states and associated countries, with openness to international participants. Success rates are anticipated between 10 to 39%, reflecting typical competitive processes within Horizon Europe. Co-funding appears to be a requirement, though specifics are not explicitly delineated.

This opportunity aims to drive advancements that enhance the performance of satellite networks, forge new commercial services, and advance technologies in Earth Observation. Proposals must specify their primary focus area and should demonstrate synergies with existing funded actions, aligning with the broader goals of the Globally Competitive Space Systems partnership and Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform.

Applications must be comprehensive, detailing potential impacts and addressing how proposed innovations will contribute to the EU’s strategic objectives, including improving resilience and reducing dependencies in the space sector.

This EU grant opportunity, under the Horizon Europe Programme, call SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02), aims to foster globally competitive space systems through actions in satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO), and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions. It emphasizes the digitalization of commercial space solutions, focusing on mid to high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) developments to enhance competitiveness. The call is structured around HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) and uses a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] model. The submission process is single-stage, opening on 22 May 2025 and closing on 25 September 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes include enabling the European Space Industry to maintain a significant share of the global connectivity market, fostering new commercial services and applications through increased digitalization, and advancing Earth observation technologies.

The scope of the Research and Innovation (R&I) areas to be addressed includes:

R&I on End-to-End SatCom Mission capabilities: This involves satellite network interconnectivity, seamless integration into terrestrial networks, compatibility and interoperability with 5G & 6G networks, and satellites as network nodes in a distributed system. It also includes flexible and modular testbeds for complex SatCom typologies to assess performances, compatibility of different elements, operations concepts, and data fusion. Technologies to be strengthened include optical communication, Inter Satellite Links, and reconfigurable payloads.

R&I on on-board processing to optimize EO missions’ performance or timeliness: This covers standardized software frameworks for embedded edge-computing applications (AI, Machine Learning), onboard image processing for multiple spectrum and frequency bands capabilities, data/signal image processing, enhanced downlink and uplink capabilities, EO ground segment interfaces and data flow standardisation and adoption, smart multi-source EO intelligence information fusion, and EO-related equipment and instruments digitalisation, including miniaturization of equipment and enhancement of the European optical digital detectors supply.

R&I on synergetic technologies: This involves building blocks and processes with applicability across both EO and SatCom systems and missions, such as maturation of technologies and products improving system security and threats identification, resources usage optimization, tools to support the measure of key environmentally driven criteria through increased resource sharing, and maturation of high-performance processing payload H/W and payload data flexible downlink to support space network capabilities together with software functions to demonstrate mission flexibility.

Developments should aim at on-ground relevant environment or in-orbit demonstration focusing on software and digital tools (e.g. algorithms, functions), supporting open-HW alternatives (e.g. processors, electronics) such as RISC-V or similar from design to pre-operation phases.

Proposals may contribute to one or more of the above R&I areas, however the main area addressed should be clearly and unambiguously identified. To ensure a balanced portfolio covering the three areas described above, grants will be awarded to applications not only in order of ranking but at least also to one proposal that is the highest ranked within each area, provided that the applications attain all thresholds. For the purposes of the ranking the main area declared by the proposal will be considered.

The call encourages cooperation between industry, SMEs, and research institutions, promoting the commercial use of technological innovations through on-ground or in-orbit demonstrations. Synergies with already funded actions in technology development at the component level are encouraged, while enabling new entrants and approaches. Proposals should explore synergies and be complementary to already funded actions in the context of technology development at component level, while still enabling new entrants and new approaches. In particular the topics: Critical Space Technologies for European non-dependence (HE H2020 SPACE-10-TEC-2018-2020, COMPET-1-2014-2015-2016-2017, HORIZON-CL4-2021-SPACE-01-81/ 2023-SPACE-01-72/ 2024-SPACE-01-73), satellite communication technologies and high speed data chain (H2020 COMPET-2-2016, COMPET-3-2017, SPACE-15-TEC-2018, SPACE-29-TEC-2020, HORIZON-CL4-2021-SPACE-01-11), Earth Observation end-to-end technologies (HORIZON-CL4-2022-SPACE-01-13, HORIZON-CL4-2023-SPACE-01-11). It is expected that projects make use of existing European technologies and/or building blocks, including at component level, contributing to European non-dependence and strengthen competitiveness, and this should be clearly presented in the proposal. Furthermore, proposed activities should be complementary to H2020 and Horizon Europe funded projects, national activities and activities funded by the European Space Agency (ESA).

The call implements the co-programmed European Partnership on ‘Globally Competitive Space Systems’ (GCSS), requiring projects to report results to the GCSS in support of its KPIs. It also contributes to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), addressing Space technologies falling under the sectors of “digital technologies” and “deep tech innovation”.

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.

The general conditions for admissibility, eligible countries, financial and operational capacity, exclusion, evaluation, award, and legal/financial setup are detailed in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Eligible proposals exceeding evaluation thresholds will be awarded a STEP Seal. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme.

Application forms, evaluation templates, guidance documents (HE Programme Guide), model grant agreements (Lump Sum MGA), call-specific instructions, and additional documents (HE Main Work Programme 2025, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, EU Grants AGA, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, etc.) are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal. Partner search tools and support services (Research Enquiry Service, National Contact Points, Enterprise Europe Network, IT Helpdesk, European IPR Helpdesk, CEN-CENELEC/ETSI Research Helpdesks, European Charter for Researchers) are also available.

The total budget and indicative number of grants for various topics under this call are as follows:

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-11 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions: Budget 1 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-12 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 3 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 2
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-13 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: Budget 7 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 2
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 18 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 2
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-22 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 17 500 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-23 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 12 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-24 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 5 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 2
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-31 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 6 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 3
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-32 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: Budget 11 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 3
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-41 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 10 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-42 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 3 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-43 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 3 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-44 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 5 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-45 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 12 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-46 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: Budget 5 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-71 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 5 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-72 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 8 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 2
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-73 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 1 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-74 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 6 000 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 2
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-81 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: Budget 500 000 EUR, Indicative number of grants 1

In summary, this opportunity aims to bolster the European space industry by funding projects that advance digital technologies in satellite communication and Earth observation. It seeks to improve the performance, resilience, and competitiveness of European space systems, reduce strategic dependencies, and promote collaboration between various stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the goals of the Globally Competitive Space Systems partnership and the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and proposals must clearly identify their primary R&I area and demonstrate synergies with existing European space initiatives.

Eligible Applicant Types: The opportunity is open to a variety of actors including industry, SMEs, and research institutions. The call specifically encourages cooperation between these different types of entities. New entrants are also welcome.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant, under the HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA) and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) and HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-RIA).

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

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The opportunity mentions eligibility for non-EU/non-Associated Countries, suggesting a broad international scope, although specific details are to be found in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

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 deep tech innovation within the space sector, particularly related to digitalization for commercial space solutions.

Mentioned Countries: The opportunity does not explicitly mention specific countries but refers to "EU," "non-EU," and "non-Associated Countries." It also mentions "third-countries." Therefore, the geographic scope is broad, encompassing EU member states, associated countries, and potentially other international participants as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Project Stage: The program focuses on mid to high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) developments, specifically targeting on-ground relevant environment or in-orbit demonstration.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call, ranging from EUR 500,000 to EUR 18,000,000. The indicative number of grants also varies per topic.
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-11: around EUR 1,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-12: EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-13: EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 7,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21: EUR 6,000,000 to EUR 12,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-22: EUR 12,000,000 to EUR 17,500,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-23: EUR 10,000,000 to EUR 12,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-24: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-31: EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 5,000,000 (3 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-32: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 6,000,000 (3 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-41: around EUR 10,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-42: around EUR 3,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-43: around EUR 3,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-44: around EUR 5,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-45: around EUR 12,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-46: around EUR 5,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-71: EUR 4,500,000 to EUR 5,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-72: EUR 3,500,000 to EUR 4,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-73: EUR 800,000 to EUR 1,000,000 (1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-74: EUR 2,500,000 to EUR 3,000,000 (2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-81: EUR 450,000 to EUR 500,000 (1 grant)

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 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 per topic provides some insight into the competition level.

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

Summary:
This Horizon Europe call, under the SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02) program, aims to bolster the European space industry's competitiveness through the digitalization of satellite communication (SatCom) and Earth Observation (EO) technologies. It falls within the scope of the co-programmed European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems and the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). The call invites proposals focusing on mid to high TRL level developments, encouraging collaboration between industry, SMEs, and research institutions. Projects should contribute to outcomes such as enhancing the performance of space satellite networks, enabling new commercial space services, and advancing Earth observation technologies. The call supports various research and innovation areas, including end-to-end SatCom mission capabilities, on-board processing for EO missions, and synergetic technologies applicable across both EO and SatCom systems. Funding is provided as lump sum grants, with amounts ranging from EUR 500,000 to EUR 18,000,000 depending on the specific topic. The application process is single-stage, with a deadline of September 25, 2025. The call welcomes applicants from EU member states, associated countries, and potentially other international participants, as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Successful projects are expected to report their results to the European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems.