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Strategic Analysis
This call seeks to advance Europe's strategic autonomy and competitiveness in space by fostering R&I in digital enablers for Earth Observation (EO) and Satellite Telecommunication (SatCom). Proposals should focus on developing end-to-end mission capabilities, enhancing EO equipment and services, and creating common building blocks to drive new commercial applications and secure critical technologies, ultimately strengthening the EU Space Sector.
TRL 4 → 5
R&I on End-to-End SatCom Mission capabilities for current and future satellite networks interoperability including both space and ground-based assets, and digital on-ground infrastructure to test and enhance operational efficiency;
R&I on Earth Observation equipment, subsystems, applications and services, improving the End-to-End timeliness of an EO system and enhanced resolution, miniaturisation of instrument designs and digital techniques and technologies to support operations and harmonisation enabling interoperability among multiple EO missions;
R&I on building blocks and processes common to EO and SatCom systems, such system resources usage optimisation, high-performance processing payload H/W to support space network capabilities including an improvement in downlink and tasking capabilities of the European infrastructure, RF and optical hybrid ground stations for anchoring services and quantum technologies adaptation for space application.
New commercial services and applications enabled by increased digitalisation of space solutions;
Favouring a competitive and sustainable European Space Sector;
Enable the European Space Industry to maintain a significant share of the global connectivity market;
Next generation Earth observation and SatCom payloads, technologies and processing means (on ground and in space);
Security of SatCom and EO services, supporting next-generation technologies for both ground and space commercial applications;
Improved access to satellite data through interoperable systems.
The EU Space Programme components (such as EGNSS and Copernicus) are key assets for the EU policies on climate, environment, transport, agriculture and secure society.
The Space sector is a source of economic growth and jobs.
Fostering the competitiveness of the EU space sector.
Improving education and developing the required skills.
Accelerating the pace of innovation.
Supporting EU non-dependency on critical technologies.
Strengthening international cooperation.
European Partnership on ‘Globally Competitive Space Systems’ (GCSS)
highThe European Partnership on ‘Globally Competitive Space Systems’ (GCSS) is a new co-programmed partnership under Horizon Europe. It aims to foster a competitive and innovative European space sector by focusing on research and development for next-generation space technologies and systems. The partnership seeks to strengthen Europe's autonomy in space, enhance its industrial capabilities, and ensure global competitiveness across the entire space value chain.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how they align with the strategic objectives and research priorities of the GCSS Partnership. Evaluators will look for evidence that the proposed activities contribute to the partnership's goals of developing cutting-edge space technologies, enhancing European industrial competitiveness, and fostering innovation in space systems. Specific attention should be paid to how the project integrates with the partnership's work programmes and contributes to its expected impacts, such as strengthening the European space ecosystem and ensuring access to critical space capabilities.
EU Space Programme
highThe EU Space Programme is the overarching framework for all EU space activities, consolidating existing and new space initiatives under a single programme for the 2021-2027 period. It aims to ensure the continuity and evolution of flagship programmes like Galileo (navigation), Copernicus (Earth observation), and EGNOS (satellite-based augmentation system), while also introducing new components like Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Its primary goal is to strengthen the EU's autonomy, resilience, and leadership in space, providing high-quality, secure, and cost-effective space-derived data and services to citizens and businesses.
Proposals should demonstrate a clear understanding of how their activities contribute to the broader objectives of the EU Space Programme. Evaluators will look for alignment with the programme's priorities, such as enhancing the capabilities of Galileo, Copernicus, or EGNOS, or supporting the development of new components like GOVSATCOM or SSA. Projects should articulate how they leverage or contribute to the services and data provided by the EU's flagship space infrastructures, ensuring European non-dependence and fostering innovation in downstream applications.
Union Secure Connectivity programme
highThe Union Secure Connectivity Programme, also known as IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), is a new EU flagship initiative aiming to provide a sovereign, multi-orbital, and secure satellite communication infrastructure. It seeks to ensure secure connectivity for governmental users and critical infrastructures, as well as to provide commercial services to foster innovation and digital inclusion across Europe and beyond. The programme is designed to enhance Europe's strategic autonomy and resilience in communication.
Proposals should clearly articulate how their work contributes to the objectives of the Union Secure Connectivity programme (IRIS²). Evaluators will look for projects that address the technological challenges, develop key components, or propose innovative applications that support the deployment and operation of a secure, sovereign, and multi-orbital satellite communication infrastructure. Emphasis should be placed on contributions to secure governmental communications, resilience, and the development of competitive commercial services, aligning with the programme's goals of strategic autonomy and digital inclusion.
Horizon Europe Regulation
highThe Horizon Europe Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/695) establishes the legal framework for the EU's flagship research and innovation programme for the 2021-2027 period. It defines the programme's objectives, structure (Pillars, Missions, Partnerships), funding instruments, and rules for participation. Horizon Europe aims to strengthen the EU's scientific and technological bases, foster competitiveness, deliver on EU strategic priorities like the green and digital transitions, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Proposals must inherently comply with the Horizon Europe Regulation. Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate a clear understanding of the programme's overall objectives, expected impacts, and cross-cutting priorities (e.g., gender equality, open science, international cooperation). Beyond mere compliance, proposals should articulate how they contribute to the broader strategic goals of Horizon Europe, such as strengthening European research excellence, fostering innovation ecosystems, and addressing societal challenges. Adherence to ethical principles and responsible research and innovation practices is also crucial.
EU Space Act
mediumThe EU Space Act is a proposed legislative framework aimed at enhancing the safety, security, and sustainability of space activities within the European Union. It seeks to establish common rules for space traffic management, debris mitigation, and the authorization and supervision of space activities by Member States. The Act's objective is to ensure a level playing field for European space actors, promote responsible behavior in space, and protect critical space infrastructure, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of outer space.
Proposals should demonstrate an awareness of the principles and objectives underpinning the proposed EU Space Act, particularly concerning the safety, security, and sustainability of space operations. Evaluators will look for projects that incorporate best practices for space debris mitigation, responsible design of space systems, and contribute to technologies or services that enhance space situational awareness or space traffic management. While the Act is still under development, proposals should show foresight in aligning with its anticipated regulatory framework and promoting sustainable space practices.
InvestEU programme
lowThe InvestEU Programme is an EU initiative designed to boost investment, innovation, and job creation across the European Union for the 2021-2027 period. It provides an EU budget guarantee to mobilise public and private investment, supporting policy priorities such as the green and digital transitions, strategic European industries, and social investment. InvestEU aims to address market failures and investment gaps by making financing more accessible for businesses, particularly SMEs, and for infrastructure projects.
While InvestEU is primarily a financing instrument, proposals referencing it should demonstrate how their research and innovation activities could lead to commercially viable solutions or technologies that attract significant follow-up investment. Evaluators might look for a clear pathway to market, potential for scaling up, and a strong business case that could eventually benefit from InvestEU support, particularly if the project addresses strategic EU priorities like digital transformation or strengthening European industrial competitiveness. The link is often indirect, focusing on the potential for future economic impact and investment attraction.
1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
2. Eligible Countries — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used). In order to achieve the expected outcomes, and safeguard the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, and security, it is important to avoid a situation of technological dependency on a non-EU source, in a global context that requires the EU to take action to build on its strengths, and to carefully assess and address any strategic weaknesses, vulnerabilities and high-risk dependencies which put at risk the attainment of its ambitions. For this reason, participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States, Iceland and Norway and the following additional associated countries: Canada, New-Zealand, United Kingdom and Switzerland. In addition, entities established in third countries which may become associated to Horizon Europe during 2026 and 2027 may be eligible to participate in this topic if the third country is identified for this topic as an eligible country in the List of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe at the time of submission of the application[[See the List of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/list-3rd-country-participation_horizon-euratom_en.pdf]]. In any case, the association agreement to the Programme must apply by the time of the signature of the grant agreement. For the duly justified and exceptional reasons listed in the paragraph above, in order to guarantee the protection of the strategic interests of the Union and its Member States, entities established in an eligible country listed above, but which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity, may not participate in the action unless it can be demonstrated, by means of guarantees positively assessed by their eligible country of establishment, that their participation to the action would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security. Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment within the meaning of ‘restrictions for the protection of European communication networks’ (or entities fully or partially owned or controlled by a high-risk supplier) cannot submit guarantees.[[ The guarantees shall in particular substantiate that, for the purpose of the action, measures are in place to ensure that: a) control over the applicant legal entity is not exercised in a manner that retrains or restricts its ability to carry out the action and to deliver results, that imposes restrictions concerning its infrastructure, facilities, assets, resources, intellectual property or know-how needed for the purpose of the action, or that undermines its capabilities and standards necessary to carry out the action; b) access by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity to sensitive information relating to the action is prevented; and the employees or other persons involved in the action have a national security clearance issued by an eligible country, where appropriate; c) ownership of the intellectual property arising from, and the results of, the action remain within the recipient during and after completion of the action, are not subject to control or restrictions by non-eligible countries or non-eligible country entity, and are not exported outside the eligible countries, nor is access to them from outside the eligible countries granted, without the approval of the eligible country in which the legal entity is established.]] described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — To ensure a balanced portfolio covering all the development areas described in the scope section, 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 development area, provided that the applications attain all thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — 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 – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf ]]. described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?" Declaration of ownership and control A compulsory questionnaire on the declaration of ownership and control is to be filled by all project participants as part of the application. All declarations must be assembled by the coordinator and uploaded in a single file in the portal submission system. For additional information on the assessment of ownership and control process and on the guarantees please consult the draft guidance for participation in restricted calls .
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize proposals demonstrating a clear strategic alignment with the EU Space Programme and the European Partnership on ‘Globally Competitive Space Systems’ (GCSS). Key aspects will include the technological innovation and feasibility of digital enablers for both EO and SatCom, the potential for new commercial services and market share, and concrete contributions to EU non-dependency on critical technologies. Strong emphasis will be placed on interoperability, security, and the development of required skills within the European space industry. The multi-actor requirement and the focus on TRL 4-5 indicate a need for practical, collaborative research with clear pathways to application.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1R&I on End-to-End SatCom Mission capabilities for current and future satellite networks interoperability including both space and ground-based assets, and digital on-ground infrastructure to test and enhance operational efficiency; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2R&I on Earth Observation equipment, subsystems, applications and services, improving the End-to-End timeliness of an EO system and enhanced resolution, miniaturisation of instrument designs and digital techniques and technologies to support operations and harmonisation enabling interoperability among multiple EO missions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3R&I on building blocks and processes common to EO and SatCom systems, such system resources usage optimisation, high-performance processing payload H/W to support space network capabilities including an improvement in downlink and tasking capabilities of the European infrastructure, RF and optical hybrid ground stations for anchoring services and quantum technologies adaptation for space application. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1New commercial services and applications enabled by increased digitalisation of space solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Favouring a competitive and sustainable European Space Sector; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Enable the European Space Industry to maintain a significant share of the global connectivity market; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Next generation Earth observation and SatCom payloads, technologies and processing means (on ground and in space); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5Security of SatCom and EO services, supporting next-generation technologies for both ground and space commercial applications; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO6Improved access to satellite data through interoperable systems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1The EU Space Programme components (such as EGNSS and Copernicus) are key assets for the EU policies on climate, environment, transport, agriculture and secure society. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2The Space sector is a source of economic growth and jobs. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Fostering the competitiveness of the EU space sector. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Improving education and developing the required skills. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5Accelerating the pace of innovation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6Supporting EU non-dependency on critical technologies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI7Strengthening international cooperation. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1european partnership on globally competitive space systems (gcss)The European Partnership on ‘Globally Competitive Space Systems’ (GCSS) is a new co-programmed partnership under Horizon Europe. It aims to foster a competitive and innovative European space sector by focusing on research and development for next-generation space technologies and systems. The partnership seeks to strengthen Europe's autonomy in space, enhance its industrial capabilities, and ensure global competitiveness across the entire space value chain. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2eu space programmeThe EU Space Programme is the overarching framework for all EU space activities, consolidating existing and new space initiatives under a single programme for the 2021-2027 period. It aims to ensure the continuity and evolution of flagship programmes like Galileo (navigation), Copernicus (Earth observation), and EGNOS (satellite-based augmentation system), while also introducing new components like Governmental Satellite Communications (GOVSATCOM) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Its primary goal is to strengthen the EU's autonomy, resilience, and leadership in space, providing high-quality, secure, and cost-effective space-derived data and services to citizens and businesses. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3union secure connectivity programmeThe Union Secure Connectivity Programme, also known as IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), is a new EU flagship initiative aiming to provide a sovereign, multi-orbital, and secure satellite communication infrastructure. It seeks to ensure secure connectivity for governmental users and critical infrastructures, as well as to provide commercial services to foster innovation and digital inclusion across Europe and beyond. The programme is designed to enhance Europe's strategic autonomy and resilience in communication. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4horizon europe regulationThe Horizon Europe Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/695) establishes the legal framework for the EU's flagship research and innovation programme for the 2021-2027 period. It defines the programme's objectives, structure (Pillars, Missions, Partnerships), funding instruments, and rules for participation. Horizon Europe aims to strengthen the EU's scientific and technological bases, foster competitiveness, deliver on EU strategic priorities like the green and digital transitions, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Current Earth Observation and Satellite Telecommunication systems often lack seamless interoperability between different assets and across the entire data chain, leading to delays and inefficiencies in data delivery and service provision.
The European space sector faces a risk of strategic dependency on external suppliers for key digital technologies, hardware, and processing means, which can undermine EU autonomy and security.
The European space industry struggles to maintain a significant share in the rapidly evolving global connectivity market due to gaps in advanced digital enablers, payload technologies, and innovative service offerings.
A shortage of skilled professionals and inadequate educational programmes hinder the development and adoption of advanced digital and quantum technologies required for future space solutions.
Companies involved in satellite manufacturing, ground segment development, service provision for Earth Observation and Satellite Telecommunication, seeking to enhance their competitiveness and market share.
Research institutions, universities, and technology centres conducting cutting-edge R&I in space technologies, digital enablers, and advanced computing, contributing to the knowledge base and skill development.
Entities responsible for developing and implementing EU space policy, managing space programmes (Copernicus, Galileo), and ensuring the security and strategic autonomy of European space assets.
Sectors and users who rely on satellite data and connectivity for their operations, policy implementation, and decision-making, benefiting from improved access, timeliness, and security of space solutions.
Researchers and scientists across various disciplines who will benefit from enhanced access to satellite data, advanced space technologies, and new research opportunities enabled by the project's outcomes.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
The project will contribute to reducing Europe's reliance on non-EU critical technologies for space applications, strengthening its strategic position and ensuring security of supply.
By fostering innovation in digital enablers for EO and SatCom, the project will enable the European space industry to develop new commercial services and applications, thereby increasing its global market presence.
The project will facilitate better access to high-resolution, timely, and secure satellite data and services, supporting EU policies in climate, environment, transport, and agriculture, and benefiting a wide range of end-users.
The R&I activities will contribute to improving education and developing the necessary skills in advanced digital and quantum technologies, addressing the talent gap in the space sector.
The project will drive rapid advancements in EO and SatCom payloads, processing means, and digital techniques, leading to a more dynamic and innovative European space ecosystem.