information note on space rdt programmes and … · the rdt policy is a key enabler to european...

STEPP - A project funded by the European Union

Information note on Space RDT programmes and coordination scheme – June 2018 1

INFORMATION NOTE ON SPACE

RDT PROGRAMMES AND

COORDINATION SCHEME

IDENTIFICATION OF CURRENT/PLANNED PROGRAMMES, INSTRUMENTS, TOOLS, BUDGETS SUPPORTING SPACE RDT ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE AND OF COORDINATION ROADMAPPING SCHEMES

This information note aims at providing to consulted parties in the context of the STEPP project initial

elements of understanding of the European context for space RDT funding and programmes.

Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3

Executive summary .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

European Space RDT Mapping .......................................................................................... 8

ESA programmes for space technology ................................................................................................................... 8 Basic Technology Research Programme (TRP) ........................................................................................................ 9 General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) ................................................................................................10 Telecommunications and Integrated Applications Programme (ARTES) .................................................11 European Component Initiative (ECI) ........................................................................................................................12 Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP), Development and Exploitation Component .....12 European GNSS Evolution Programme (EGEP) .....................................................................................................13 Science in Space Environment (SciSpacE) ................................................................................................................14 Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) ......................................................................14 Exploration Technology Programme (ETP).............................................................................................................15 Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) ............................................................................................15 Horizon 2020 Satellite Navigation Programme (HSNAV) ................................................................................16

EU Programme for space technology...................................................................................................................... 16 Space in Horizon 2020 .......................................................................................................................................................16 The European Defence Agency .......................................................................................................................................18

National programmes for technology support ................................................................................................... 19 France ........................................................................................................................................................................................19 Germany ....................................................................................................................................................................................20 Italy .............................................................................................................................................................................................20 Spain ...........................................................................................................................................................................................21 Sweden .......................................................................................................................................................................................21 United Kingdom .....................................................................................................................................................................22



RDT coordination/roadmapping schemes in Europe ........................................................ 23

European space technology harmonisation ......................................................................................................... 23 Harmonisation overview ...................................................................................................................................................23 List of earmarked technologies for 2018-2019 ......................................................................................................26

EC-ESA-EDA Joint Task Force (JTF) ......................................................................................................................... 26 Eurospace RDT priorities ............................................................................................................................................ 28

Eurospace RDT priorities: a consolidated incremental roadmap of technology activities ................29

Annex 1 – TRL scale ......................................................................................................... 31



INTRODUCTION

The space manufacturing industry is one of the most RTD-intensive sectors in Europe. This is

due to the high technological constraints of space systems (spacecraft and launchers). All

space programmes have promoted and implemented innovation since the beginning of the

space age, the space sector acts as a technology integrator, adapting state of the art

technology to space requirements and promoting space innovations for advances in space

systems. Space technology and product development thus require important investments in

industrial equipment (including test equipment), software, design and modelling tools and

protocols development and maintenance, not to mention the scientific and technological

competences required within industry, agencies, research centres and laboratories.

Space technology is Sensitive: Space technology is dual use (military and civil) by sheer nature,

and as a result, space activities and space technology exports are highly regulated by the

governments of all space fairing nations, and by inter-governmental agreements: all space

technology is excluded from the WTO agreement; and more specifically, launcher technology

exports are strictly regulated by MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime).

Space technology aims at Optimisation: Space technology is on a constant evolution path,

achieving growing levels of complexity and integration. At System level the key drivers include

the increase of functionalities, growth in electrical/thermal power, size and capabilities (e.g.

large Geo satellites), but at the same time we witness the trend in reduction of mass, size,

power consumption (e.g formation flying/constellation concepts, nanosatellites). These trends

are also visible at equipment level, where the demand for mass/size reduction, calling for

functional hybridisation and for standardisation of designs and interfaces, with larger

production volumes is growing.

At the European level, programmes, instruments, tools and budgets supporting Space RDT 1

activities are shared among three main actors2:

1. The European Union in the context of Space in Horizon 2020 (and with a key role played

by the European Defence Agency - EDA);

2. The European Space Agency (ESA): The Technology Research Programme (TRP), the

General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), the Future Launchers Preparatory

Programme (FLPP) and the Telecom/ARTES programmes account for about three

quarters of all Technology R&D conducted in ESA;

3. Member states (through their respective space agencies) with France and Germany

being the largest investors in national space RDT, with lower relative contributions to

ESA budget.

1 RDT: Research Development and Technology - a broad term involving all development activities pursued to erach the higher steps

of the Technology Readiness Levels scale (TRL scale) 2 Space RDT mapping is based on a synthesis of European Space Technology Master Plan 2017, for the first time jointly drafted by

ESA and the European Commission. Updated annually, the European Space Technology Master Plan (ESTMP) is a well-established

publication covering space technology developments across the European continent and Canada. See:

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Europe_s_Master_Plan_for_space_technology_by_ESA_and_the_

EU

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Europe_s_Master_Plan_for_space_technology_by_ESA_and_the_EU




At the same time, space programmes have long lead time, the long-time constant

requires the establishment of long-term comprehensive roadmaps until market introduction

is possible.

Combined Innovation in Systems and Enabling/baseline Technologies is necessary to develop

products with leading edge performance to meet customer expectations. Innovation is

mandatory to keep European Space Industry competitive worldwide.

The RDT Policy is a key enabler to European Space programmes, it is the stepping-stone

giving shape to industrial capabilities and providing the foundations for space to remain

accessible to Europe. The RDT policy shall support the key objectives for ensuring

European access to space to all missions and programmes, and maintaining an

efficient, competitive and non-dependent industrial base. At the same time, the European

space RDT policy shall take stock of European space sector needs. It shall ensure the good

alignment of budgets and priorities, through permanent exchange with industry and

users, ensuring that technologies are brought to the appropriate maturity level for their good

adoption by users and the creation of added value.

Today, after decades of consistent public investment, European industry has achieved

enviable positions on the global market. Space is one of the European areas of

technological excellence. But the global space paradigm is changing, and European

positions on the global space arena need to be preserved. The growing competition from

China, and the new space business models pioneered in the USA require specific attention.

The European Space industry is competitive, but competitiveness needs to be permanently

re-assessed with respect to the achievements of the competition. Support to industry

competitiveness is a concern shared by all institutions in the European space sector3, and it is

a core driver for technology policies and strategies.

In this regard, to offer a coherent RDT policy and support this competitiveness, avoiding

duplication and offering platforms for RDT coordination is key. Indeed, a Europe wide

technology policy shall consistently aim at the proper coordination of national, ESA, and EU

development programmes, avoiding unnecessary duplication and ensuring that critical

objectives are met: readiness, time-to-market, maturity, non-dependence, and efficiency.

As a result, a few mechanisms are today already set up in the context of RDT coordination and

roadmapping in the European space sector and involve a variety of actors (public and private).

These platforms have the advantage to offer a consistent and coordinated forum for

discussion to every actor engaged in the process of RDT coordination and

roadmapping in the European space field.

Consequently, three platforms are today implemented to provide coordination on RDT

among the variety of the European space actors:

3 For instance, the European Space Strategy states: " Europe needs to maintain and further strengthen its world-class capacity to

conceive, develop, launch, operate and exploit space systems. To ensure this, the Commission will support the competitiveness of the

whole supply chain and actors from industry to research organisations. It will also foster the emergence of an entrepreneurial

ecosystem, opening up new sources of financing, creating new business opportunities, and making sure this will benefit businesses in

all Member States. "(COM(2016) 705 final - While the ESA convention states as an objective for the Agency to " improve the world-

wide competitiveness of European industry by maintaining and developing space technology and by encouraging the rationalisation

and development of an industrial structure appropriate to market requirements" (ESA SP 1317).



1. The European Space Technology Harmonisation, coordinated by ESA, the process

brings together ESA Member states and the European Union - industry stakeholders

are consulted via Eurospace and SME4Space

2. The EC-ESA-EDA Joint Task Force, jointly organised by the European Union,

European Space Agency, and European Defence Agency - industry stakeholders are

consulted via Eurospace and SME4Space

3. The Eurospace RDT Priorities, an industry led effort coordinated by Eurospace.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Space systems competitiveness is technology led first and foremost. Suppliers able to provide

to their customers state of the art solutions are usually one step ahead in the competition

game. Cost considerations will also apply, but as a trade-off with performance and reliability

assessments. As a result, technology readiness is a critical factor to appreciate the situation

of the sector, and technology development programmes are a constant concern of space

institutional programmes.

Institutional technology development programmes for Space are organised at European level

within the framework of ESA programmes that provide a solid aggregation of national interest

supporting the largest annual budget available for Space RDT in Europe. In complement to

the ESA framework, The EU also supports the development of space technology within its

Framework Programme (Horizon 2020, and its space component). A few European members

states also contribute to the overall development of space technologies in the context of their

institutional space programme.

As shown in the chart, the variety of efforts is unevenly distributed among the various European

space actors. ESA has a clear dominating role with a yearly RDT budget which equals to

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

ESA EuropeanUnion

Germany France Italy Spain Sweden

BU

DG

ET

(IN

M€

)

SOURCE

Distribution of European RDT budget(in M€)



approximately 375M€4. The European Union has a 120M€ yearly budget dedicated to system

research and technology development5 (through H2020 programmes). But it also contributes

to the ESA RDT by financing the RDT in the Galileo programme. Member states, at the

exception of Germany (with a yearly RDT budget of 135M€), have overall little funding

dedicated to their national space technology programmes 6 compared to their funding

contributions to the various ESA programmes.

The funding allocated to space RDT in Europe can also be apprehended in terms of readiness

and maturity level, using the Technology Readiness Levels7 scale as a tool to appreciate the

technology maturity. The chart "European RDT funding per TRL" proposes an estimate of the

funding intensity available for European space RDT activities by target TRL. and considering

the TRL gap coverage enabled by each programmatic instrument. The majority of programmes

and budget available in Europe seem to concentrate their funding on achieving TRL targets

comprised between 3 and 5. The continuation of activities to reach higher TRL targets,

including the required steps to achieve TRLs of 7 and above to qualify products for commercial

programmes are insufficiently pursued in Europe. Considering as well that as a technology

climbs its way up in the TRL scale the costs to achieve each superior maturity step grows the

insufficient amount of funding to cover these steps is particularly worrying. This situation is

often referred as the 'innovation gap' of the 'TRL Valley of Death' and is being widely

documented8.

In the space sector it is commonly accepted to provide the additional development steps in the

context of the development of the systems themselves, a practice which is very common when

programmes have a scientific objective and when instruments and payloads are designed for

one very specific not necessarily repeatable goal. It its thus customary to achieve in orbit

4 This number has been found taking into account the overall ESA technology budget 2016 (400M€) minus the budget dedicated to

the EGEP programme, funded by the EU. 5 It represents approximately 7% of the overall EU budget for space activities. 6 It represents approximately 3% of the 28 EU MS national space budgets (civil and military) 7 For an overview of the various Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), see Annex 1. 8 E.g. here http://philippleitner.net/technology-readiness-levels-impact-of-science-and-the-valley-of-death/ or here

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20110004893.pdf and here

https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmsctech/348/348.pdf

0

50

100

150

200

250

TRL 1 TRL 2 TRL 3 TRL 4 TRL 5 TRL 6 TRL 7 TRL 8 TRL 9

RD

T fundin

g (

in M

€)

TRL scale

European RDT funding per TRL



validation of prototypes in the framework of operational missions. This may however add

unwanted risks to the programme.

It would be worthwhile to determine the context in which the TRL gap to levels 5-6 and above

would have to be bridged systematically, in order to create the conditions for risk free

implementation of technologies and products in operational systems, targeting commercial and

institutional customers.



EUROPEAN SPACE RDT MAPPING

ESA PROGRAMMES FOR SPACE TECHNOLOGY

ESA’s technology activities are implemented through several ESA preparatory Programmes. The Technology Research Programme (TRP), the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) and the Telecom/ARTES programmes account for about three quarters of all Technology R&D conducted in ESA.9

ESA, through the funds provided by its member states, is the main provider for research and technology developments for space programmes in Europe. The average research and

technology budget available annually through ESA is in the order of 400 M€.

The TRP, ARTES, GSTP and FLPP schemes represent three quarters of the ESA RDT&I effort:

Technology is developed in ESA under several corporate (TRP, GSTP) and domain specific programmes and initiatives (EOEP, CTP, etc). Two are mandatory (TRP, CTP), the rest are optional. Only the TRP addresses all service and technology domains. The GSTP addresses all service domains with the exception of Telecommunications. Technology programmes in ESA address different stages of development/maturity and are coordinated through the ESA End-to-

End Technology Management Process10.

The primary goal of the ESA technology programmes is to support technology development up

to mainly TRL level 4&5, more rarely 6 and above (higher TRL – namely 8/9 – being necessary to complete the development cycle). In order to achieve the required TRL on technologies there is a need for continuity along technology programmes and between technology and user programmes. For some technologies and techniques and some new applications, it is deemed necessary to complete the development cycle going up to TRL 8 (in-orbit demonstration). In-orbit experiments are important for the development and demonstration of technology,

9 ESTMP 2017

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Europe_s_Master_Plan_for_space_technology_by_ESA_and_the_

EU 10 The main objective of the Technology Management Process is to undertake planned and coordinated developments in answer to

user requirements, i.e. mission needs, industry competitiveness, non-dependence, so as to have technology ready at the maturity

level required at each stage by the users.





techniques, research and operational techniques and associated technologies. Also new practices, techniques and tools for design, development, verification and mission operations need to be exercised in small, yet representative, missions.

BASIC TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAMME (TRP)

The Basic Technology Research Programme 11 (TRP) is one of the two ESA mandatory

programmes (with the CTP). It is run on a two-year workplan and organised according to technology domains based in turn on application areas12.

TRP is the only ESA technology programme supporting all of ESA’s fields of activity across the

entire spectrum of technical disciplines, providing the technological nucleus for most future developments. Moreover, it supports the development of Generic Technologies, either of use to multiple missions or advanced basic technologies of common interest to all applications (in the field of components, software, power generation, satellite propulsion).

With an average annual budget of 66M€, the TRP typically targets developments up to TRL 3-

4. Moreover, 100% of the activities are funded. The TRP 2016-2017 Work Plan is led by generic technologies (43%), earth observation (14%), exploration (13%) and science (12%).

TRP Promoting Innovation: Innovation Triangle Initiative (ITI):

The TRP scheme includes the Innovation Triangle Initiative13 (ITI), an approach focusing on innovation and spin-in.

More precisely, it supports the identification, validation and development of disruptive innovations (based on new ideas or concepts) which show the potential to cleverly address space problems. ITI encourages innovations coming from the non-space industrial or research sectors. The objective is to combine the creativity, know-how and experience of the Research

11http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/About_the_Technology_Research_Program

me_TRP 12 Earth Observation, Space Science, Exploration, Space Transportation, Telecommunication and Navigation 13 https://iti.esa.int/iti/index.jsp

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/About_the_Technology_Research_Programme_TRP

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/About_the_Technology_Research_Programme_TRP

https://iti.esa.int/iti/index.jsp



Community, Space Customers and Industry. With a yearly budget of 2M€, it targets TRL from 2

to 5 (depending on the type of the contracts). Moreover, 100% of the activities are funded by ESA.

Space Technology Advancements by Resourceful, Targeted & Innovative Groups of Experts & Researchers (StarTiger):

The Programme Space Technology Advancements by Resourceful, Targeted & Innovative Groups of Experts & Researchers (StarTiger)14 is conceived as an ESA initiative within the Basic

Technology Research Program (TRP) aiming at facilitating innovative and breakthrough research.

With a yearly budget of approximately 800 k€ per year, StarTiger is proposed as a pillar of innovation addressing not only the technology itself but also the way R&D (Research and Development) is conducted and implemented. It targets TRL 4-5 and 100% of its activities are funded by ESA.

GENERAL SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME (GSTP)

The GSTP15 is the second major generic programme of ESA.

It addresses new needs and emerging applications. Its objectives are to:

• Enable activities of ESA and National Programmes by developing technology;

• Support the competitiveness of European industry;

• Foster innovation and Transfer non-space technology to use in the design of new space systems (‘spin-in’);

• Enhance European technology non-dependence and the availability of European resources for critical technologies.

In order to achieve these objectives, the GSTP is organized in three elements and one

component:

• GSTP Element 1 “Develop”: Technology developments for future missions, ground applications and tools. More precisely, the activities performed under Element 1 are dedicated to the development of technologies, building blocks, components and test beds for projects and the economic operators16;

• GSTP Element 2 “Make”: Development of technology and products for commercial sustainability. Co-funded with industry, the activities performed under Element 2 aim at:

o strengthening worldwide competitiveness in new and existing markets; o developing products in response to gaps in the supply chain (by environmental

regulations, migration to new technology and other causes).

• GSTP Element 3 “Fly”: In-orbit demonstration of new technologies, preparation of future missions, small missions. Activities performed under Element 3 aim at:

o implementing in orbit demonstration of technologies either as products in need of acquiring flight heritage, hosted payload or complete space missions (small spacecraft, cubesats etc.);

o conducting investigations and studies to prepare for future missions in particular breakthrough and new generation types of missions;

o conducting ad hoc small missions.

14 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/StarTiger 15

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/About_the_General_Support_Technology_Pr

ogramme_GSTP 16 Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Large enterprises, industry, satellite operators, satellite providers, universities and

research organisations from low TRL to qualification

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/StarTiger

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/About_the_General_Support_Technology_Programme_GSTP

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/About_the_General_Support_Technology_Programme_GSTP



• Precise Formation Flying Demonstration component: This component aims at implementing the phases CDE of the PROBA-3 mission in view of the demonstration of Precise Formation Flying (PFF) technologies and techniques.

Overall, GSTP aims at ensuring that the right technologies at the right maturity are available at

the right time. It targets mainly TRL 5-6-7, with an approximate 90 M€ yearly budget. Unlike the TRP which is based on a two-year cycle, the GSTP cycle runs for five years. 100% of the activities are funded by ESA (co-funding required for element-217).

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INTEGRATED APPLICATIONS PROGRAMME (ARTES)

ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES)18 programme transforms research and development investment into successful commercial products and services.

ARTES has the following objectives:

• Maintain and improve the capability and competitiveness of industry of participating countries in the world satellite communications market;

• Define, assess and promote the use of satellites for advanced fixed, broadcasting, multimedia and mobile communications, data relay, search and rescue, navigation and aeronautical services;

• Support the development of new services and applications that integrate space-based assets and technologies with terrestrial ones, in order to meet the needs of the widest possible range of users and markets, thereby enlarging the overall space sector and the value of its contribution to society;

• Carry out technological developments and experimental/ pilot missions that operating entities and industry have identified as having a future market potential. 5. Introduce and experiment with new techniques for designing and delivering satellite systems and services which will be economically competitive with or, complementary to, projected future terrestrial networks such as 5G;

• Develop, in close association with industry and operators, systems, equipment and techniques that will be required for future telecommunications missions;

• Identify, introduce and experiment in orbit with very advanced techniques and technologies that require in-orbit demonstration before they can be considered for operational systems;

• Promote the use of such advanced technologies for pre-competitive services.

The ARTES context allows ESA to work on telecommunications RDT&I activities, mainly through

ARTES Advanced Technology (AT, 25M€, TRL 3-6) and ARTES Competitiveness & Growth (C&G, 90M€, up to TRL 8). ARTES allows for very close cooperation with industry and involves a share of industry investment in the developments.

ARTES Advanced Technology (AT):

The ARTES Advanced Technology programme 19 seeks to support sustained long-term

technological developments such as enhanced signal propagation techniques, spacecraft power or propulsion systems, on a time span of five to ten years. It has a yearly budget of 25 M€ and targets TRL from 3 to 6. ARTES AT involves ESA initiated projects 100% funded by the Agency.

ARTES Competitiveness & Growth (C&G):

17 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/GSTP_Elements 18 https://artes.esa.int/ 19 https://artes.esa.int/advanced-technology

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/GSTP_Elements

https://artes.esa.int/

https://artes.esa.int/advanced-technology



ARTES C&G20 seeks to improve the near- term competitiveness of the satcom industry by developing near-to-market products and/or helping to integrate a network with its respective space segment.

Typically, it has a yearly budget of 90M€; effectively limited by the ARTES CC subscription which is 580M€ for 2017-2019. It targets a TRL up to 8 (depending on the Development Phase) and ESA contributes up to 50%/70% per activity (typically between 0.5 and 3M€).

The Demonstration Phase (TRL7) supports “first flight” opportunities on board commercial telecom satellites, giving new and upgraded products developed by European industry a greater commercial chance in a very competitive global satcom market.

EUROPEAN COMPONENT INITIATIVE (ECI)

The objective of the European Component Initiative21 is to:

• maintain and enhance a European industrial base for critical technologies needed by Europe’s space missions;

• reduce the dependence of Europe’s space sector on non-European component suppliers, by focusing on one of the fundamental building blocks of space missions - EEE components;

• increase the availability of European EEE-components used in European space missions by developing capabilities to manufacture and qualify critical technologies within Europe;

• increase European export sales of space qualified components; in particular to both China and Russia, where significant further growth is expected in the next 10 years.

The European Component Initiative is an open cooperative project with ESA and partner

national space agencies each participating with their own funding. It targets TRL 8-9 and the yearly budget is divided as follows:

• Phase 2: 6.5 M€ (2009-2011)

• Phase 3: 13.5 M€ (2011-2013)

• Phase 4: 10 M€ (2013-2017)

Science Core Technology Programme (CTP):

The objective of the Science Core Technology Programme 22 (CTP) is to ensure the development and readiness of critical technologies required for future missions within ESA’s Science Programme.

The Science Core Technology Programme focuses on reaching a higher level of technology readiness than the TRP by demonstrating the element performance in the mission relevant environment. It is complementary to the TRP since technology developments initiated under TRP in early phases can be pursued under CTP up to the required TRL 5/6.

Its yearly budgets amount to 14M€ with 100% of its activities funded by ESA.

EARTH OBSERVATION ENVELOPE PROGRAMME (EOEP), DEVELOPMENT AND

EXPLOITATION COMPONENT

The fifth Earth Observation Envelope Programme23 (EOEP) comprises two main components:

20 https://artes.esa.int/competitiveness-growth 21 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/European_Component_Initiative_ECI 22 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Science_Core_Technology_Programme_CTP 23 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/About_the_Earth_Observation_Envelope_Programme_EOEP

https://artes.esa.int/competitiveness-growth

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/European_Component_Initiative_ECI

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Science_Core_Technology_Programme_CTP

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/About_the_Earth_Observation_Envelope_Programme_EOEP



• The Research Mission Component (formerly named Earth Explorer Component) which includes the development and launch (phases B/C/D/E1) of the Research Missions with some new flexibility to accommodate international co-operation.

• The Development and Exploitation Component, which includes inter alia - Preparatory activities (phase 0/A) and instrument pre-developments for candidate Research missions and for Earth Watch missions (e.g. with partners such as EUMETSAT and the European Union).

The programme will support three types of user-driven Research missions:

• Earth Explorer Core missions (e.g. EarthCARE, Biomass, EE 10), as major missions to cover primary scientific objectives of the ESA Earth Observation Science strategy using innovative EO techniques. These are identified among proposals in reply to a Call for Ideas;

• Earth Explorer – Fast-Track Missions (e.g. FLEX, EE-9), as missions smaller and with shorter development cycle than the Core missions due to their higher initial technical and scientific maturity. These are identified among proposals in reply to a Call for Mission Concept Proposals;

• Missions of Opportunity (e.g. SAOCOM-CS), responding to unsolicited proposals for cooperation with entities that are not under the jurisdiction of Participating States of the EOEP.

The estimated budget for technology (EOEP-5) (2017-21) is of 30M€. The TRL targeted is from 2 to 9 and 100% of the activities are ESA-funded.

InCubed:

The objective of the new InCubed programme24 is to offer a new process in the ESA’s Earth Observation programmes to strengthen and stimulate the realization of endeavours closer to the

market by economic operators in Earth Observation. It covers activities where entities of every size will engage in a co-funding scheme with ESA with the perspective of increasing commercial opportunities through innovation and, consequently, benefit from higher competitiveness in a rapidly emerging market. It targets TRL from 4 to 9 and has a budget of more than 35M€ over the next four years.

InCubed will allow Economic Operators to capitalize on ESA expertise to:

• Pursue their own technology priorities, benefiting from ESA’s expertise and networks;

• React quickly to the rapidly changing commercial context;

• Mitigate financial risks related to the development;

• Optimally align new developments with market needs;

• Convince commercial partners and investors, e.g. through demonstrating their affiliation to ESA.

EUROPEAN GNSS EVOLUTION PROGRAMME (EGEP)

The objectives of the European GNSS Evolution Programme25 has been to undertake GNSS technology research and development, sustaining, evolving and broadening the GNSS-related

technological know-how in Europe, and to prepare the replenishment, evolutions and upgrades of the European GNSS Infrastructures EGNOS and Galileo responding to the needs for GNSS evolutions identified in coordination with the EC and the various stakeholders.

It has a yearly budget of 100M€ in six years (2007-2012), 117M€ in three years (2013-2015), and targets a TRL from 3 to 6.

24 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Investing_in_industrial_innovation 25 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/GNSS_Evolution/About_the_European_GNSS_Evolution_Programme

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Investing_in_industrial_innovation

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/GNSS_Evolution/About_the_European_GNSS_Evolution_Programme



Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP):

ESA has initiated a new navigation research and technology programme called the Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP)26, with a yearly budget of approximately 20M€. Optional programme, 100% of its activities (co-funding required for Element 2).

NAVISP will boost Member State industrial competitiveness and innovation priorities in the

upstream and downstream navigation sector and it will include investigating the integration of satellite navigation with non-space technologies and complementary positioning and communication techniques. It targets TRL 2-7.

NAVISP will apply ESA’s hard-won expertise from Galileo and EGNOS to new satellite navigation and, more widely, positioning, navigation and timing challenges.

NAVISP is structured into three elements:

• Element 1: Innovation in Satellite Navigation

• Element 2: Competitiveness

• Element 3: Support to Member States

SCIENCE IN SPACE ENVIRONMENT (SCISPACE)

The SciSpacE programme27 is implemented from 2017. It evolved from the European Life and Physical Sciences Programme (ELIPS) run between 2002 and 2016.

SciSpacE focuses on the implementation of its core science roadmaps and the objectives of so-called “Curiosity-driven research” in Life and Physical Sciences on ESA’s reduced gravity

platforms, with emphasis on the sensible utilization of the International Space Station, but also providing balanced flight/test opportunities on autonomous mission platforms, such as drop towers, parabolic flights, sounding rockets as well as granting access to ground-based facilities and space analogues enabling research on gravity dependent phenomena and/or space-relevant human research.

Beyond performing fundamental scientific research as well as research orientated towards ground and space applications, SciSpacE also scientifically prepares for future long-duration human missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

The programme has a yearly budget of 60-80 M€ ant targets TRL from 3 to 9. ESA funding

amounts to 100% (except from some cooperative projects with national agencies).

EXPLORATION PREPARATION, RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (EXPERT)

The ExPeRT28 area is created to integrate all activities needed to prepare for and initiate new

human spaceflight and robotic exploration missions, including in particular post-ISS User driven LEO utilisation, human lunar exploration and Mars Sample Return missions.

The objectives of ExPeRT are to:

• initiate and facilitate the process towards selection of new exploration missions and projects for implementation;

• ensure that future exploration missions, projects and associated technologies are well prepared; and

• establish new collaborations with international partners (both existing and emerging) to create future exploration opportunities. ExPeRT will therefore:

26 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/NAVISP 27 http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/Human_Spaceflight_and_Robotic_Exploration_Programmes 28 http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/Human_Spaceflight_and_Robotic_Exploration_Programmes

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Navigation/NAVISP

http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/Human_Spaceflight_and_Robotic_Exploration_Programmes

http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/Human_Spaceflight_and_Robotic_Exploration_Programmes



• Implement architecture and mission definition studies for exciting and inspiring new robotic and human missions and associated vehicles and infrastructure elements;

• Prioritise and oversee pre-development of new technologies needed for future exploration missions up to a TRL sufficient to commit to development;

• Build the scientific, technological and overall benefits case for missions and projects to be proposed for mission implementation decisions;

• Explore new opportunities for cooperation in space exploration with established international partners as well as new ones including India, China and others; and

20M€ yearly are dedicated to this optional programme which targets TRL 6. The funding is

composed of the European Exploration Envelope Programme (Phase B1 studies and

technology activities) and General Studies Programme (for Phase o/A studies).

EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME (ETP)

The Exploration Technology Programme29 is a programme to fund Technology Development

Activities related to Robotic Exploration. It is funded through the Mars Robotic Exploration Preparation 1 and 2 (MREP-1 and MREP-2) Programmes.

It is used to fund robotic exploration-related activities at any TRL level. However, it focuses on TRL 5-6, building on earlier developments funded through TRP. It has a 10M€ budget and 100% of the activities are funded by ESA.

The Mars Robotic Exploration Preparation (MREP) Programme is an Optional Programme being implemented in the ESA Directorate of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration and intended to prepare Europe’s future contribution to the international exploration of Mars.

Mars future exploration programme activities are organised within three main themes, namely:

• Mission studies of post-Exomars missions;

• Mars Sample Return (MSR) architecture study;

• Exploration Technology Programme (ETP) for preparing post-Exomars missions and MSR.

The ETP covers technology development activities for robotic exploration needs. This includes short or medium-term activities for preparing the intermediate missions and long-term technology developments, such as Novel Power Sources or enhanced Propulsion engines. The general objective is to ensure that the technology readiness of ESA contributions prior to a mission implementation decision is greater than the TRL 6, up to demonstration stages.

FUTURE LAUNCHERS PREPARATORY PROGRAMME (FLPP)

The Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP)30 has been investing in development of technological and industrial capabilities in all main space transportation areas since 2003.

Its major fields of activity include Innovative launch services, Launch Systems and technologies; the FLPP is assessing various launch vehicle system concepts and business approaches, identifying and developing the technologies and competences required to make them possible.

Enabling launcher technologies are matured through on-ground testing and in-flight experiments to increase their Technology Readiness Level (TRL). The design, analysis, manufacturing and testing of test-articles, engineering model ‘breadboards’ and single enabling technology demonstrators are performed as intermediate steps prior to overall integrated flagship demonstrations.

Planned demonstrations include:

29 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Mars_Robotic_Exploration_Preparation_Programme_MREP 30 http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/New_Technologies/FLPP_preparing_for_Europe_s_next-

generation_launcher

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Mars_Robotic_Exploration_Preparation_Programme_MREP

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/New_Technologies/FLPP_preparing_for_Europe_s_next-generation_launcher

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Transportation/New_Technologies/FLPP_preparing_for_Europe_s_next-generation_launcher



• Flagship integrated Demonstrators - which are elements of the portfolio and integrate technologies at subsystem and system levels, targeting reusability, increased performance and ultra-low costs. For example, in propulsion manufacturing;

• Breadboards intended to mature technologies in representative conditions in support of Flagship Demonstrators or for direct application. For example, Cryotank Demonstrator maturing metallic/composite bare tanks cryogenic propellant management device, instrumentation, insulation, de-orbitation and thermal control, shall be integrated in a convergent approach into a scaled Flagship cryogenic stage demonstrator. Or SRM Booster Casing Demonstrator maturing ultra-low-cost technology for future Vega and Ariane applications;

• Single technologies are being addressed as challenges on the road to the Future Launchers, targeting a decrease in structural mass and recurrent cost with a special attention to Additive Layer Manufacturing processes. Technology demonstration projects are building the maturity of novel materials and structures with the potential to achieve this.

The Future Launchers Preparatory Programme is a coordinated ESA programme, which Member States subscribe to, on an optional basis. Activities are 100% funded. Aiming at developing future technologies for launchers31, it targets TRL 4-6 with a 50M€ yearly budget.

HORIZON 2020 SATELLITE NAVIGATION PROGRAMME (HSNAV)

The European Commission and the European Space Agency have signed a delegation agreement on the implementation of Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation in Satellite Navigation, for which ESA undertakes technical and management of the activities under the programme.

The objective of the HSNAV programme is to undertake research and technology development actions related to future generations European GNSS Infrastructures Galileo and EGNOS

systems in order to prepare the replenishment and evolutions of such systems responding in coordination with the EC and the various stakeholders. The type of GNSS Evolutions activities includes system and segments studies, enabling technologies and scientific aspects.

The initial technology R&D activities cover subjects on the area of Galileo evolutions platform (TT&C transponder, electrical propulsion, inter-satellite links) and payload subsystems and units (atomic clocks, signal generation, RF active and passive components, antennas), ground segment (novel reference station technologies) and user segment (Galileo and EGNOS evolutions test user receivers).

227M€ over five years (2015-2020) trough Annual Work Plans are dedicated to HSNAV with a TRL targeted from 4 to 6.

EU PROGRAMME FOR SPACE TECHNOLOGY

SPACE IN HORIZON 2020

Horizon 2020 is the Union’s framework programme for research, development and innovation

for the period from 2014 to 2020. Not only does it build on the previous framework programme for research (FP7) but it also brings together the innovation parts of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). The EU has established with H2020-Space a comprehensive programme supporting the improvement of European space sector readiness.

This programme has three main components: activities in support of industry competitiveness, activities supporting the market uptake and services development for European flagship

31 Ariane 6, a major development programme, is not included here, as it focuses on system rather than on technology.



programmes (Galileo and Copernicus) and preparatory technology development for the evolution of GNSS. Overall the amounts available for grants in the context of H2020-Space

represent 170 to 200 M€/year32, of which 60-70% (120 M€/year in average) are relevant to space

system research and technology development.

H2020 Space by theme:

Focus on support for Space systems technology:

32 2014: 166,53 M€; 2015: 176.15M€; 2016: 157.25M€; 2017:165.85M€; 2018:182.43M€; 2019:205.23M€; 2020:228,05M€



Within the context of H2020, as with previous Framework Programmes of the Union, support for research is provided in the form of grants proportionally leveraging private sector investment.

The first calls for proposals were published, as bi-annual work programmes, at the end of 2013 and 2015, respectively. These addressed programmatic priorities for the period 2014-2017, and were mainly structured in the following calls and actions:

• Applications in Satellite Navigation;

• Earth Observation;

• Protection of European assets in and from space and space surveillance and tracking;

• Competitiveness of the European Space sector: Technology and Science;

• GNSS Evolution, Mission and Services as well as infrastructure-related R&D activities.

The overall budget for 2014-2017 is just over €700 million. The calls in 2014 and 2015 generated 169 projects with an EU contribution of €269 million. The calls in 2016 generated 54 projects with an EU contribution of €104 million, and the calls in 2017 are expected to generate around 66 projects with an EU contribution of around €111 million.

Detailed information on calls for proposals and other actions for the years 2018 and 2019 have been published by the European Commission in their 2018-2020 work programme33. Topic titles and indicative budgets for the year 2020 are also listed.

These will address the following programmatic priorities for the period 2018- 2020 with a view to advancing the goals outlined in the Space Strategy for Europe:

• Support the market uptake and evolution of the Copernicus and EGNSS (Galileo/EGNOS);

• Underpin space business, entrepreneurship, space technologies and science;

• Support access to space and security.

The overall indicative budget for the period 2018-2020 is expected to be around €615 million.

As was the case in FP7, other themes in Horizon 2020 are of high potential interest for the space technology community, namely:

• Key Enabling Technologies (KETs - with special focus on micro- and nanoelectronics, photonics, nanotechnology, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing systems);

• Information and Communication Technologies;

• Security;

• Transport (including Aeronautics);

• Climate and Energy.

THE EUROPEAN DEFENCE AGENCY

The R&T responsibility of EDA is to support defence technology research, coordinate and plan

joint research activities and the study of technical solutions in order to meet future operational

needs by:

• Promoting, in liaison with the Union’s research activities where appropriate, research

aimed at fulfilling future security and defence capability requirements and thereby

strengthening Europe’s industrial and technological potential in this domain;

• Promoting more effectively targeted joint defence R&T;

• Catalysing defence R&T through studies and projects;

33 Horizon 2020 - Work Programme 2018-2020 Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies – Space

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2018-2020/main/h2020-wp1820-leit-space_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2018-2020/main/h2020-wp1820-leit-space_en.pdf



• Managing defence R&T contracts;

• Working in liaison with the European Commission to maximise complementarity and

synergy between defence and civil or security-related research programmes.

For what concerns synergies between civil and defence R&T activities, the R&T mandate of

EDA includes the promotion of closer collaboration with other European stakeholders. EDA,

hand in hand with ESA, the European Commission and industry, has been participating in the

“Critical Space Technologies for European Strategic Non-Dependence” exercise. In this

framework, since 2008, EDA has been a full member of a dedicated joint task force together

with ESA and the European Commission. EDA thereby supports this strategic European

process seeking to establish a common European list of critical space technologies in view of

coordinated European investment efforts. EDA contributes to the Critical Space Technology

process mainly through the implementation of Critical Defence R&T projects at components

level, e.g. by supporting the establishment of European supply sources, which provide

synergies between defence and space needs.

Recently finished, ongoing and new projects of interest have been implemented by EDA in

support to the non-dependence process are: SoC (System-on-Chip), MANGA and MAGNUS,

THIMS (Technology on High Speed Mixed Circuits), HIPPOMOS (High Performance compact

Optoelectronic Microwave Oscillators), EuGaNIC (Industrial supply chain for Gallium-Nitride

electronics), MUSTANG.

NATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Outside ESA, a few European member states have developed their own national programmes for technology support. The most sizeable ones are presented below. A lot more details and information on national activities for space RDT can be found in the ESA European Space Technology Master Plan.

It is difficult to achieve a consolidated view of the nationally funded space RDT&I due to the variety of programmes and the differences in definitions for RDT&I in the main countries. It is however confirmed that France and Germany are the largest investors in national space RDT, with lower relative contributions to ESA budget. In total the average annual budget available for research and technology support through European national programmes is estimated at 150-250 M€ depending on the TRL and areas considered.

FRANCE

The Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) conducts french R&T activities:

• In Europe through CNES’s financial contribution to ESA’s mandatory or optional programmes;

• In France through contracts with Industry and scientific or technological research organisations;

• In-house, where about 100 man-years are dedicated to R&T.

As a result, around €32 million34 of the national French budget have been dedicated to research

and technology in 2016, including transverse demonstrators for orbital systems and strategic

electronic component. it is worth noting that launchers demonstrators and thematic RDT&I (e.g. telecom, earth observation) are excluded from this budget.

Moreover, French authorities’ desire to optimize the use of technical expertise within France for space research has led to joint research programmes with the French aerospace research

34 Limited to non-thematic activities (source: ESTMP 2017).



agency ONERA on radio-frequency electromagnetic propagation, AOCS design and performances and debris atmospheric re-entry.

GERMANY

German space R&D activities are defined and implemented by the respective application programmes35. In addition, a limited technology programme exists, dedicated to general bus technologies. The selection of priorities takes place in close coordination with future potential users according to the guidelines of the German Space Programme and after weighting complexity and economic benefit.

The German national support to RDT&I includes a large share of supporting funds for DLR institutes where activities for space research focus on exploration robotics, laser

communication, multistage propulsion, telecom payload/platform technology in-orbit demonstrator, test platform for new telecom technologies (high TRL).

The average annual budget available for research and technology support through German

programmes is estimated at 135M€.36

As a result, the ongoing major national space programmes with respect to general technologies are the following:

• HEMP-TIS (high efficient multistage propulsion);

• OBC/SA (on-board-computer and payload-data handling);

• ICARUS (International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space global experimental animal observation system);

• L30+ (high efficiency, lightweight solar cells)

• iBOSS (intelligent modular concept for satellites)

• COMED NG (next generation satellite communication)

• RIMRES (exploration robotics)

• LCT (laser communication)

Moreover, the ongoing major national space missions with respect to general technologies are the following:

• Heinrich Hertz (H2Sat): a test platform on which new technologies for communication satellites will be exposed to the extreme conditions prevailing in space

• In-Orbit demonstration Satellite of telecom payload and platform technologies

ITALY

Italy's investment in support of national RDT&I is mostly organised through the Agenzia

Spaziale Italiana (ASI) and amounts to 15M€.

R&T developments in Italy mainly follow a mission-oriented approach, meaning that

technology and innovation are focused on the improvement of available products and new

enabling technologies for future space architectures.

ASI nationally supports technology areas like semiconductor devices (e.g. GaN), sensors (e.g.

radar and optics), materials, small satellites (with a main focus on high TRL technologies to be

embarked and qualified), Navigation, Aerocom, SAR for Earth Observation and Exploration.

RT&D activities (up to TRL 6-7), including the internal contribution, amount to about 20% of

35 Telecommunications; Earth Observation; Exploration of the Universe; Space Transportation; General Technologies and Robotics;

Navigation; Human Spaceflight, ISS and Exploration; Space Life and Physical Sciences Research; Innovation and New Markets 36 Based upon DLR Facts and Figures 2015.



the production (data from Distretto virtuale of ASI). In the next three years, more than 1 billion

euro will be invested in the frame of the Strategic Plan of the Space Economy. A substantial

part of this budget will be allocated to RT&D activities.

Concerning technological developments, a set of four call for tenders37 have been issued by

ASI on sensors, components and materials, Earth Observation, telecommunication and

integrated applications, and finally navigation. For each call there is a maximum budget of one

million euros per contract, co-funded by ASI by a maximum of 50% and a total amount of five

million euros per call. 20M€ is the amount of total funding dedicated by ASI to technology R&D

only for SMEs in 2010-2014.

ASI has also issued in 2016 a national call for Tenders for low TRLs technology enhancement

in order to prepare innovative technologies for future space activities with specific attention on

mission enabling developments. A second call dedicated to high TRL technology developments

is under preparation and will be issued in 2017.

ASIF38 is a new network composed of related national research infrastructures structures

connected with the aim of optimizing the space hardware, testing capability and design, and

improving technologies for rad-hardening and shielding.

The small satellites Italian program PLATINO targets the realization of a small, full electric,

multipurpose platform and the launch of at least two satellites in the next 5 years, with a main

focus on high TRL national technologies to be embarked and qualified.

SPAIN

Spain manages to promote (with a dedicated budget of around 9M€), on top of its investment in ESA a small strategic RDT&I programme at national level. It currently supports Earth Observation instruments aiming at a promoting readiness for complete EO space system (national GMES/Copernicus contribution), telecom payloads, in-orbit demonstration (high TRL), space surveillance and tracking systems.

The development of the Spanish Earth Observation optical satellite (Ingenio) is being undertaken in the period 2009– 2019 and has a dedicated budget line amounting to around €200 million. This budget comprises flight and ground segment, launching, insurance and development of applications. Ingenio, is also used to create national capacities in certain technology areas, mainly in optical instrumentation.

SWEDEN

Sweden has three national programmes for space technology R&D with a 6.5M€ yearly

budget:

• The RyT programme, which started in 2004, is dedicated to SMEs and often works as

a steppingstone to get started and eventually receive ESA contracts.

• The NRFP-SMF programme was launched in 2010 and its aim is to give SME

companies the possibility to work in close collaboration with academia in space

technology related projects.

37 limited to SMEs 38 ASI Irradiation Facilities



• The NRFP programme aims to foster the collaboration between industry and

academia in Sweden on a longer term and this programme only involves the larger

space companies in Sweden. The NRFP programme was launched in 2007 with

earmarked extra funding from Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications and

was a four-year commitment from Swedish National Space Board (SNSB) together with

the Swedish innovation agency, Vinnova. In 2010, the second four-year NRFP

programme was launched, this time financed only by SNSB, and a third four-year

period of the programme was kicked-off in 2014, still fully financed by SNSB.

UNITED KINGDOM

The UK is a strong supporter of technology harmonisation where the focus is the support to selective strategic capabilities, specialisation in conjunction with sustainable competition and support to industrial competitiveness in advance of institutional or market opportunities.

The UK science community are actively engaged in a national technology road-mapping activity which feeds in to UK national support plans for technology. The UK Space Agency has its own National funding mechanism, the National Space Technology Programme (NSTP). The core of this programme is a ladder of grant funding from small exploratory ideas projects (low

TRL) right up to flagships (high TRL) aimed at bringing innovative new technology capabilities to market readiness.

In 2015/16 the following calls were initiated with a total value of 5.977M GBP:

• 23 Exploratory Ideas projects at £10K

• 16 Pathfinder projects at £50K

• 25 Fast Track projects at £150K

• 2 Flagship projects at £1 million

One of the Flagship projects will produce the technology for a constellation of small satellites

to measure emissions of the major pollutant Nitrogen Dioxide. This will ultimately provide data of sufficient frequency and resolution to allow applications such as targeted warnings for asthma sufferers and active traffic management to keep vehicles from the most heavily polluted roads.

The other Flagship project is for the development of a new maritime telecommunications

infrastructure, which will support new commercial and institutional two-way maritime information services These services are aimed at increased safety and security in commercial shipping through better data exchange and communication between ship and shore entities.

The UK Space Agency recent call under the National Space Technology Programme for the 2106/17 funding year, for both Pathfinder and Fast Tracks Projects delivered 41 newly funded projects to a total value of 5.5M GBP.

Moreover, subject to the outcome of the pilot Cubesat mission, UKube-1, the Agency intends to establish a full National Missions relevant for Space Technology R&D Cubesat programme with regular launches. This will provide opportunities to fly industry and research furnished payloads.



RDT COORDINATION/ROADMAPPING SCHEMES IN EUROPE

EUROPEAN SPACE TECHNOLOGY HARMONISATION

The European Space Technology Harmonisation39 is designed to achieve better and

more coordinated Space Technology Research and Development activities among all

European Actors, having as major objective to “fill strategic gaps” and “minimise unnecessary

duplications”. The Technology Harmonisation takes into account the various European

developments, capabilities and budgets to enhance the complementary roles of the various

stakeholders in meeting common objectives, covering different situations of technology

maturity, industrial competitiveness, funding needs and political interests.

The process is based on voluntary participation; it runs with two cycles per year, each

articulated around Mapping and Roadmap meetings. The process is strongly supported by all

stakeholders as a leading instrument for coordination of Space Technology in Europe.

Since its pilot launch in 2000, more than 50 technology areas have been harmonised, with the

participation of all ESA Member States, EC, Industry, involving more than 1000

Professionals from more than 300 European Space Companies and research organisations.

The harmonisation process is a unique possibility offered to all technology stakeholders to

directly contribute to the definition of European space technology development plans.

These contributions are managed by Eurospace in an open and transparent process where all

stakeholders are considered on the same footing.

HARMONISATION OVERVIEW

Harmonisation objectives

The technology harmonization process aims at providing strategic guidance, in the

form of detailed technology development roadmaps, for space technology in Europe.

The objectives are defined as below:

• “Fill strategic gaps” and “Minimise unnecessary duplications”;

• Consolidate European Strategic capabilities;

• Achieve a coordinated and committed European Space Technology Policy;

• Contribute to ensuring* continuity and coherence between Technology and Industrial

Policies.

Principles

• Optimise public fund investments in Space Technology and determine the R&D

priorities to satisfy European Space ambitions, commensurate with available

resources;

• Play a proactive role in creating a balanced industrial landscape by specialising skills

and strengthening industrial cooperation, considering appropriate geographical

39 https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Technology_Harmonisation

https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Technology_Harmonisation



distribution while maintaining a competitive environment and ensuring a fair role to

each player, irrespective to presence of national space programme and without

discrimination for non-EU Member States

• Promote long-term agreements based on competitiveness;

• Protect the role of Technology Innovation and advanced Research;

• Consult actively Industry and National Delegations in definition of Technology

programmes;

• Stakeholders contribute on a voluntary basis;

• Implement in all ESA Technology programmes and in ESA programmes containing

Technology development, the Roadmaps and conclusions stemming from the

Technology Harmonisation process;

• Maximise the utilization of European Technology in ESA programmes with due

consideration to programme risk;

• Foster and promote the implementation of the Harmonisation recommendations in

national and commercial programmes.

Harmonisation stakeholders – The participants in the process

The Harmonisation process involves the following actors:

• ESA: ESA is a major driving force in the harmonization process, it provides process

coordination and ensures the initial production of all documents required (the Technical

Dossiers and the Technology Roadmaps). ESA hosts all Harmonisation meetings, for

Mapping and Road mapping.

• The European Commission: since 2013 the EC is regularly invited to observe and

contribute to the harmonisation process. It is expected to join the process as a full

player with the aim of seamlessly integrating in the space RTD funding landscape the

activities promoted by H2020/Space.

• The THAG: ESA Member states (represented by their National Agency when

applicable): ESA Member states ultimately provide ESA its funding. They are involved

in the harmonization process to support the technological landscape mapping (national

input) and to approve the Technology Roadmaps. Member States’ representatives in

the harmonization process form the THAG (Technology Harmonisation Advisory

Group). The THAG is the entity taking all decisions in the Harmonisation process.

• The Eurospace THP: Industry and all other technology and research suppliers

(research laboratories, universities, other institutions…) with the exception of SMEs are

involved in the process through a Eurospace body called the Technology

Harmonisation Panel (THP). The consolidated THP input forms an important

contribution at mapping and roadmap levels. Eurospace coordinates all THP activities,

from document dissemination to the integration and consolidation of all viewpoints

expressed.

o Membership in the THP is open to all entities not represented in the THAG

(excluding SMEs represented by SME4Space)

o Membership in the THP is free of charge

o The THP takes all decisions by consensus

o THP members are invited to attend Mapping meetings at ESTEC



• The SME4Space review panel: In 2016 ESA decided to enable the expression of

specific concerns of the space SME community by associating SME4space to the

stakeholder review process.

• As of 2017 Eurospace and SME4Space have organised the coordination of their inputs

towards ESA at Roadmap level ensuring the correct identification of

common/converging points and diverging views.

Harmonisation process organisation

The harmonisation process involves technology funding entities40 (Members States,

ESA, the EC) and technology supplier entities (the Eurospace-THP and SME4Space

members) with a view to assessing the full scope of capabilities and needs along a given

technology domain (the mapping), and determine the development required in the future with

associated roadmaps.

Two cycles per year – two phases per cycle

The harmonization process is organised in two cycles per year, each cycle is organised in

two phases, called MAPPING and ROADMAP. During each cycle 4 to 6 technology areas are

addressed.41

The Mapping phase

The Mapping phase aims at collecting all information relevant to the technological

capabilities of the European space sector on the technology areas concerned, and at

identifying all relevant technology development’s needs (trends, strategic interest etc.).

The Roadmap phase

The Roadmap phase aims at defining and agreeing the full scope of technology

developments required for each technological area with a medium term (4-6 years)

approach. The roadmap is a very detailed document complete with activity description, budget

needs, target programme and urgency/criticality assessment.

Each roadmap prefigures the technology development programmes of the years to

come within a technology area. It is associated to the description of activities and budget

requirements. Once a roadmap has been approved by the THAG, its contents become a

mandatory requirement for decision at the IPC (i.e. a technology development proposed at

ESA IPC for funding must be supported by a corresponding Roadmap). The complete roadmap

is also used at national levels to ensure proper coordination of national technology plans with

ESA programmes.

The technology roadmaps are a unique opportunity offered to technology suppliers (the

industrial sector, the research sector, academia and labs) to shape future technology

programmes in the European/ESA framework.

40 i.e. technology promoters 41 The complete database of space industry capabilities and products can be consulted online (registered users only) at:

https://harmostrat.esa.int/pls/adm/weblogin.login (chose ICMDB on the left menu)

https://harmostrat.esa.int/pls/adm/weblogin.login



LIST OF EARMARKED TECHNOLOGIES FOR 2018-2019

Tables below list the technologies earmarked for Harmonisation in 2018 and 2019, based

upon end of current Roadmap and requests received. The actual topics for the relevant years

will be selected taking into consideration previous commitments and the proposals received

from ESA Technical and Programme Directorates, Industry (via Eurospace) and THAG

Delegations during the preparation of the Harmonisation workplan.

Note: In yellow are indicated technology subjects that are new to the process, the white ones

are recurrent and have been already addressed at least once since 1999.

EC-ESA-EDA JOINT TASK FORCE (JTF)

One of the key objectives of the European Space Policy is to ensure non-dependence on

critical technologies. Technology non-dependence aims to ensure that Europe can have

free, unrestricted access to any technology required to implement Europe’s space missions.

This requires significant efforts in a large array of domains such as skills, sustainable European

industrial capabilities, appropriate public policies and regulations as well as forward-looking

research and technology.

Europe’s ability to get access to key enabling technologies is crucial to both space and

defence capabilities. Considering the synergies between the defence and space technology

requirements, and having consideration for the strategic/dual nature of many space

technologies and building blocks, since 2009, the European Space Agency (ESA), the

European Commission (EC) and the European Defence Agency (EDA) have run the

Planned for Topics Revisit Cycle2018 Frequency and Time Generation and Distribution

(Ground and Space)

2011 (G) / 2013 (S) 1

2018 De-Orbiting Technologies (including Passivation) New 1

2018 Position Sensors 2009 1

2018 RF & Optical Metrology (formerly entitled Ciritical

Enabling Technologies for Formation Flying -

Metrology)

2009 1

2018 Photonics New 1

2018 Deployable Booms 2010 2

2018 Inflatable Structures 2010 2

2018 Life Support Technologies New 2

2018 Fluid Mechanics and Aerothermodynamic Tools 2012 2

2018 Chemical Propulsion - Components 2012 2

2018 Coatings (Materials - Optical, Thermal, RF) New 2

2019 System Modelling and Simulation Tools 2012

2019 Chemical Propulsion - Micropropulsion 2011

2019 TT&C Transponders and Data Transmitters 2013

2019 On-Board Radio Navigation Receivers 2013

2019 Multibody Dynamic Simulation (Mapping only) 2014

2019 Power management and Distribution 2013

2019 Technologies for Optical Passive Instruments -

Mirrors

2013

2019 Technologies for Optical Passive Instruments - Stable

and Lightweight Structures

2013

2019 Cryogenics and Focal Plane Cooling 2013

2019 Pyrotechnic Devices 2013

WORKPLAN 2018 - 2019



European non-dependence process through a joint task force for critical technologies.

Its objective is to map key technology needs and to identify priority actions to be

implemented within European or national programmes.42

The European non-dependence process was run in 2009, 2011 and 2014. In 2016, the

Commission-ESA-EDA Joint Task Force (JTF) ran another round of the non-dependence

process to prepare a list of actions for Critical Space Technologies for European Non-

Dependence for the time-frame of 2018-2020. The list was elaborated in a joint task force

together with the relevant Member States organisations, industry and academia and

contains 39 non-dependence actions in technology domains such as materials, electronic

or photonic components, green propellants or complex structures.

Similarly to the Technology Harmonisation process coordinated by ESA, the final say on the

list of critical technologies is the responsibility of the Member States.

To recall, the aim of this action being undertaken by Commission, ESA and EDA is to

contribute to ensuring European non-dependence. In particular, the criteria used to

evaluate if a technology can be included in the final list of actions are:

• Items shall be of low integration level, i.e. building blocks and components

(System/subsystem assembly, methods are not included);

• Items shall have a clearly identified function and performance target;

• Items shall be multi use and/or applications (i.e. not an enabling technology for a

one-shot use);

• Items shall be not available from a European source and for which the unrestricted

availability from non-European suppliers cannot be assured

• Critical items for which no adequate or sufficient action is ongoing.

The JTF has identified a specific area for development, including items strongly supported by

industry, that was eventually proposed for a prototype action plan in the context of the Pilot

Project (STEPP)43:

Description and needed Action

The activity should aim to identify and qualify critical European materials and processes affected by export control and the REACH regulations. It aims towards green and sustainable long-term replacement solutions. e.g. alternative materials for metallic anodizing and passivation, protective and hardener coatings free of Cr3+ Cr6+, etc. Specific actions are required, at least, to ensure unrestricted access to the following categories:

• Adhesives for space applications

• New material for passive thermal control layers

• New primer

• Oil and greases

• Solvents

• Radiation-hard materials, parts and processes for atomic clocks: o Low diffusion cells for lamps and bulbs o Devices for the generation, control and sustainability of

plasma dissociator o Quartz material for oscillator

42 https://www.eda.europa.eu/info-hub/press-centre/latest-news/2015/03/19/critical-space-technologies-for-european-strategic-non-

dependence 43 Critical Space Technologies for European Strategic Non-Dependence - Actions for 2018-2020

https://www.eda.europa.eu/info-hub/press-centre/latest-news/2015/03/19/critical-space-technologies-for-european-strategic-non-dependence

https://www.eda.europa.eu/info-hub/press-centre/latest-news/2015/03/19/critical-space-technologies-for-european-strategic-non-dependence



Space environment qualification of the associated processes is needed.

Estimated Initial TRL N.A.

Target TRL 7

Applicable Mission Class(es)

Earth Observation, Science Mission, Human Spaceflight, Space Transportation, Telecommunications, Navigation, Space Security, Robotic Exploration, Defence applications

Industrial Non- Dependence Concern

Industry consensus confirmed at the JTF convergence meeting (26 October 2016)

Delegations/Agencies voicing non-dependence concern on the item

Action approved by consensus at the Final Meeting of 28 November 2016

Reference(s)

Remarks / Justifications For practical implementation reasons, it is recommended to split this item into separate comprehensive activities/projects.

Date of Entry / Last Date of Change

30-November-2016

EUROSPACE RDT PRIORITIES

Support to industry competitiveness is a concern shared by all institutions in the space sector,

and it is a core driver for technology policies and strategies. In technology programmes time

is of the essence, to bring products to the market in line with global competition. This requires

a careful selection of priorities and the effective rollout of appropriate processes and tools.

Today, despite the breadth of RDT programmes and activities promoted by institutional

programmes in Europe, some areas are still not sufficiently addressed. Consequently,

Eurospace, since 2004, implements a consistent and coordinated dialogue with

industry to identify the core needs and trends, relying on the European space governance to

take advantage of it.

As a result, Eurospace produces, every 4 years, the Space RDT Priorities 44 to raise

awareness on key needs and expectations of the European space industry with regard

to research development and technology. The initiative enables the establishment of a

consolidated consensual technology development roadmap, supported by European space

industry stakeholders.

The Eurospace consolidated roadmap of activities is not a complete technology plan, it is an

incremental roadmap of development proposals and activities: activities and developments

already well covered in current technology programmes are not included. The database

of activities is updated annually to include emerging needs and opportunities and remove

obsolete activities.

Although the RDT priorities list is associated to a soft review phase with ESA technology

experts, it is fully driven by industry stakeholders. The list lacks an implementation mechanism,

but its contents have been used to support industry contributions to such processes as the

technology harmonisation and the JTF, as well as to provide coordinated inputs for the

definition of the H2020 Work programmes.

44 http://eurospace.org/space-rt-priorities.aspx

http://eurospace.org/space-rt-priorities.aspx



EUROSPACE RDT PRIORITIES: A CONSOLIDATED INCREMENTAL ROADMAP OF

TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES

Initiated in 2004 the Eurospace RDT Priorities is a multifaceted tool whose heart lies in a

technology requirements database. The requirements database process is supported by

annual soft updates and by major re-haul every 4 years.

The requirements database is fed by a bottom up process in which all entities in the

Technology Harmonisation Panel can contribute granular technology development

requirements. The requirements are organized, consolidated and submitted to a consensus-

based approval process. Once approved, they are available under the name Eurospace RDT

Priorities.

Key priorities process, key points

The Eurospace RDT process is a full scale high value-added technology requirements

survey undertaken annually with the key technology stakeholders in the European

space sector. It is supported by Eurospace Space Research and Technology Committee

(SRTC), a very large group of technology experts which is composed of Eurospace members

and non-member companies. The mailing list used to collect, consolidate and validate the

contents of the RDT requirements database involved more than 1200 contacts. All were given

the same opportunity to contribute new items to the database of requirements and modify

existing activities. It is, at European level, the most extensive technology survey ever

performed with a stable and recurrent framework.

Since the seminal exercise in 2004, Eurospace has thrived on maintaining and updating a

complete technology requirements database with soft annual updates. Full reports and a

complete structured technology roadmap are published every four years (2004, 2008, 2012

and 2016).

• The bottom-up process is industry-owned and fully transparent;

• All technology suppliers can join in, from small to large companies and including

research entities, it is a voluntary process;

• There are no entry barriers to the process and there is no heavy cost associated to

the participation: all is done electronically;

• The consolidation process ensures that all technology requirements support the

development of a capability not yet available in Europe.

The Eurospace RDT Priorities are organized in consistent development roadmaps and are

associated to a variety of descriptors (mission, technology domain, dependence level,

readiness level, etc.) that allow to filter, sort and extract the requirements to support any given

request in a very short timeframe. They also support the identification of key trends and

challenges, as well as risk factors and policy drivers of technology developments.

For an activity to be considered in the Eurospace RDT priorities45 list it must fulfil the following

conditions:

45 For a summary of 2020 RDT priorities recommendations, please visit :

http://eurospace.org/Data/Sites/1/pdf/rtpriorities/Eurospace%20RDT_2020_web.pdf

http://eurospace.org/Data/Sites/1/pdf/rtpriorities/Eurospace%20RDT_2020_web.pdf



1. The activity must generate consensus with European technology stakeholders, it

must be recognised as useful for the sector;

2. The activity must not duplicate an existing capacity in Europe;

The activity must not be covered by an existing (funded) technology plan.



ANNEX 1 – TRL SCALE

TRL: Technology Readiness Level

Readiness Level

Definition Explanation

TRL 1 Basic principles observed and reported

Lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development.

TRL 2 Technology concept and/or application formulated

Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented and R&D started. Applications are speculative and may be unproven.

TRL 3 Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof-of-concept

Active research and development is initiated, including analytical / laboratory studies to validate predictions regarding the technology.

TRL 4 Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment

Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together.

TRL 5 Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment

The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment.

TRL 6

System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (ground or space)

A representative model or prototype system is tested in a relevant environment.

TRL 7 System prototype demonstration in a space environment

A prototype system that is near, or at, the planned operational system.

TRL 8 Actual system completed and “flight qualified” through test and demonstration (ground or space)

In an actual system, the technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions.

TRL 9 Actual system “flight proven” through successful mission operations

The system incorporating the new technology in its final form has been used under actual mission conditions.

The TRL scale presented above is extract from the ISO standard in elaboration. It is already shared

between the major space agencies worldwide, and accepted as a benchmark tool for Space RDT.

information note on space rdt programmes and … · the rdt policy is a key enabler to european...

Documents