Opportunity: Open Call for Proposals

Home   /  Funding Opportunity: Consolidation Phase for IRIS...

Funding Opportunity: Consolidation Phase for IRIS² Low LEO Pre-Operational and De-Risk Activities

Opportunity
Open Call for Proposals
Opening date
04/03/2026
Closing date
06/01/2026

OVERVIEW

The European Space Agency (ESA) invites Element 3 Participating States industry to apply to the Consolidation Phase of IRIS² Low LEO Pre-Operational and De-Risk Activities as part of Element 3 of the ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity. The aim is to establish a structured pathway for the maturation and de-risking of governmental services and associated system concepts prior to their integration into the European Union’s Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) operational system.

The objective of this activity is to develop mission concepts that address services of interest for the EU IRIS2 programme, to a level that’s comparable to Phase A/B1 while compatible to the EU IRIS2 system, and up to the objectives of pre-operational design.

For further information, please consult the esa-star entry with Tender Action Number: 1-13374 and Activity Number: 1000045980.

SCOPE

  • Consolidate a relevant set of use cases addressing governmental services, complementary to those already under development under EU programmes;
  • Consolidate mission concepts and associated architectural and design aspects;
  • Advance the maturity of key elements required to ensure compatibility to the EU IRIS2 system, such as security and interfaces;
  • Develop the service validation strategy, and roadmap for access to space and spectrum.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Funding opportunities ranging from early-stage development to in-orbit validation;
  • A structured framework for the progressive maturation of complementary governmental services into the EU IRIS² baseline;
  • Access to ESA expertise and coordination with the European Commission.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

  • Up to €1.5M per contract;
  • Parallel contracts awarded in open competition;
  • Encouragement for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Midcaps participation.

WHO CAN APPLY?

This opportunity is open to industry in ESA Member States participating in Element 3: Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Latvia. Participants must demonstrate relevant technical capability and industrial capacity, compliance to eligibility and participating conditions, compatibility to governmental services of interest for the EU IRIS2 programme, and evidence of national support (i.e. authorisation of funding).

HOW TO APPLY

The application process follows ESA standard procurement procedures:

  1. Invitation to Tender (ITT#1) issued through esa-star;
  2. Submission of proposals;
  3. Evaluation by ESA, in coordination with the European Commission;
  4. Contracting of selected proposals for the Consolidation Phase.

DEADLINE

This funding opportunity has a closing date of 1 June 2026 13.00 CET.

DISSEMINATION ACTIONS

Several EU IRIS² Low LEO Industry Days are currently being organised by the European Commission and SpaceRISE, with the participation of the European Space Agency. These are aiming to provide dedicated information sessions on the objectives, opportunities and synergies as part of the EU IRIS2 programme and the ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity. Find more information, visit esa-star for details of the Industry Day.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This Invitation to Tender for the Consolidation Phase (ITT#1) represents the precursor of a second Invitation to Tender (ITT#2) to be issued at a later stage for the Implementation Phase. The timing for ITT#2 will be communicated in due course and will not be limited to those participating in ITT#1.

For queries, please contact iris2.lleo@esa.int

More information about the programme, please visit ESA Programme Related to EU Secure Connectivity.

Home   /  OPPORTUNITY: SPACE-BASED END-TO-END SOLUTIONS FOR ...

OPPORTUNITY: SPACE-BASED END-TO-END SOLUTIONS FOR AVIATION OR MARITIME SAFETY CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS AND SURVEILLANCE

Opportunity
Open Call for Proposals
Opening date
11/01/2025

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY 

Over the past years, private initiatives led by new or established actors and aimed at developing space-based end-to-end safety/critical communication and surveillance services addressing specific needs of the aviation and maritime sectors have emerged in Europe and in Canada.  

In preparation for the development and deployment of full-scale space-based communication infrastructures to address aviation and maritime traffic management and safety requirements from 2030 onwards, these Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) opportunities aim at supporting industry  in quickly maturing and demonstrating the solutions, through  in-orbit testing and/or pre-operational service demonstrations that are essential to obtain the buy-in of public, regulatory and policy-making stakeholders and of private investors, necessary to the later deployment of these solutions. 

Industry is invited to submit proposals to perform over the timeframe 2026-2028, depending on the maturity of their underlying concept/solution : 

  • 1. In-orbit testing and demonstration of innovative space-based system concepts, infrastructure and technologies, 
  • 2. End-to-end demonstration of selected critical services based on a pre-operational system configuration. 

The development of key technologies and building blocks (for space, ground, user segments) can also be conducted within the activities. 

KEY FOCUS AREAS 

SPACE-BASED END-TO-END SOLUTIONS FOR AVIATION/ATM SAFETY AND CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS 

Industry is invited to submit proposals to quickly mature end-to-end satellite communications solutions that will enhance communication services for Air Traffic Management purposes.  

The following areas are of particular interest: 

  • 1. Addition of aviation C-band to other already used aviation safety of life bands (e.g. L-band) for aviation regulated (safety) communications, 
  • 2. Addition of non-aviation bands/non-safety of life links (e.g. S-band, Ku and Ka bands/links) to aviation regulated safety of life bands/links for enhanced and ‘hyperconnected’ Air Traffic Management (HYbrid COmmunication Network – HYCON). 
  • 3. Command and control of drones, remote-controlled aircraft, HAPS, etc.  

Other use cases and their solutions may be proposed, as far as they target enhanced communication services for Air Traffic Management. 

Download the Call for Proposal Document

SPACE-BASED END-TO-END SOLUTIONS FOR MARITIME SAFETY AND CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS 

Industry is invited to submit proposals to quickly mature and demonstrate end-to-end satellite communications solutions that will enhance maritime safety communication services in the following areas: 

  • 1. VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) representative end-to-end in-orbit demonstration of critical services (e.g. ice chart and navigational warnings distribution), and interoperability tests between VDE-SAT (and VDE-TER) operators.  
  • 2. Multi-band/multi-orbit systems providing enhanced capacity and resilience for maritime safety applications in a ‘hyperconnected’ way: in-orbit test bed and technology and service concept demonstrations. 
  • 3. Critical emerging use cases such as autonomous vessels. 

Industry may also propose activities addressing other types of satcom systems (e.g. other narrowband systems, 5G) as far as they target to provide enhanced safety/critical/regulated communication services to maritime stakeholders.   

Download the Call for Proposal Document

SPACE-BASED END-TO-END SOLUTIONS FOR MARITIME SURVEILLANCE & DOMAIN AWARENESS VIA DETECTION AND PROCESSING OF VESSELS’ AIS RF EMISSIONS 

Industry is invited to submit proposals aiming to assess and demonstrate the performance of emerging system concepts through a set of in-orbit demonstration of concepts and technologies delivering geolocating/tracking capabilities.  

Download the Call for Proposal Document

WHAT WE OFFER 

ESA support will be based on a co-funding scheme where the funding levels will take into consideration product maturity and the risks involved. 

WHO CAN APPLY?  

This call is open to Industry within ESA Member States participating in the 4S Strategic Programme Line.  

HOW TO APPLY? 

There are two steps involved in applying to this announcement of opportunity: 

  1. Outline Proposal: the first step is the submission of an Outline Proposal. Outline Proposals can be submitted at any time during the opening period and will be assessed promptly by ESA. 
  2. Full Proposal: Following notification from ESA on the acceptance of the Outline Proposal, the Tenderer may decide to prepare a Full Proposal using the provided template.  Only Full Proposals accompanied by  a “Letter(s) of Authorisation of Funding” (AOF) from National Delegations confirming their support  will be admitted for evaluation. The Full Proposals shall be delivered via “esa-star.” 

Companies interested in proposing a project are strongly advised to contact their national delegations in advance to start the process of obtaining an Authorisation of Funding. 

In addition, interested parties are advised to start the registration of their team on esa-star as soon as possible as it may take some time. If a team is made up of more than one company or organisation, each member will need to register. 

TIMELINE 

This funding opportunity opened in November 2025, for an initial duration of 1 year. 

WEBINAR

A webinar took place on 3 December 2025 at 10:30 CET. You can view the presentation below.

Read the Presentation
Home   /  Opening: High thRoughput Optical Network Demonstra...

Opening: High thRoughput Optical Network Demonstration System (HydRON-DS) Element #3: User Segment and Evolution

Opportunity
Open Call for Proposals
Opening date
07/03/2025

INTRODUCTION

European Space Agency (ESA) is pioneering the world’s first optical multi-orbit transport network – and this call is your opportunity to be part of it!

Your company can benefit from a dedicated initiative launched by ESA and its Member States to foster the development of a thriving ecosystem for optical communication products – whether in space, on the ground, or in the air.

This call is not limited to hardware development and demonstration; it also offers a unique opportunity to propose innovative network or service concepts you may wish to share.

The following sections will provide you with detailed information about the objectives, scope, and processes driving this call.

HYDRON: WHAT’S DRIVING US? 

The High Throughput Optical Network (HydRON) is a flagship project under ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications (ARTES) Strategic Programme Line, Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight.

HydRON aims to demonstrate the world’s first optical multi-orbit transport network with terabit-per-second capacity in space, seamlessly extending terrestrial fibre-based networks into orbit. In essence, HydRON will help extend the “Internet beyond the Cloud(s)”.

This groundbreaking initiative will support the next generation of institutional and commercial space telecommunications missions, which demand advanced communication capabilities not currently available. Through HydRON, European and Canadian industries will collaborate to develop and validate the enabling technologies required to realise this vision.

The HydRON mission statement is:

“Fibre in the Sky” technology integrated with terrestrial networks at Terabit capacity demonstrated by European and Canadian Industries”.

The HydRON project aims to implement the HydRON Demonstration System (HydRON-DS), encompassing its development, deployment, in-orbit testing, and demonstration phases.

The HydRON-DS (see Figure 1) will consist of the minimum viable set of space and ground segment elements required to validate high-capacity optical data transport and demonstrate flexible, dynamic networking capabilities. These capabilities, necessary to demonstrate high-capacity data transport, will support flexible network connectivity to and between assets and users located both in space and on the ground.

Figure 1: Demo System mission of a downscaled high throughput optical space network (i.e. HydRON-DS), demonstrating key optical / digital technologies and validating operational concepts required for the HydRON vision. Image credit: ESA

The ambition of HydRON-DS is to demonstrate seamless interconnectivity between space-based and terrestrial assets, delivering low-latency and/or high-capacity optical data transport services. This will enable the integration of satellite communication systems into terrestrial network infrastructures, supporting future hybrid network architectures.

The deployment timeline for HydRON-DS targets a launch in 2027, followed by an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) phase during 2028–2029, during which the system’s performance and service capabilities will be validated under operational conditions.

The HydRON-DS has two main mission objectives:

  • 1. Mission Objective #1: technology verification in an end-to-end system demonstration
  • 2. Mission Objective #2: validation of operational concepts in support of Service Demonstration

and one mission goal:

  • Mission Goal: provision of Service Demonstration in support of Future Service (i.e. commercial exploitation after successful completion of the In-Orbit Demonstration)

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

The Call for HydRON-DS Element #3 (HDS-E#3) invites co-funded industry-led proposals that align ESA’s objectives for the HydRON-DS Technology Demonstration Mission with innovative concepts from stakeholders addressing emerging opportunities in the satellite communications market.

HDS-E#3 focuses primarily on the User Segment and Service Demonstrations, while also providing a framework to showcase novel technologies within the scope of the HydRON-DS initiative.

This call seeks to collect Outline Proposals from industry participants, which may lead to a request for Full Proposals upon evaluation and invitation by ESA. Proposals should detail the planned activities and their relevance to the objectives of HDS-E#3.

The call is open to a broad range of stakeholders, including Service Providers, (Space and Terrestrial) Network Operators, System Primes, and Equipment Manufacturers, potentially supported by research groups or academia.

The Outline Proposal should include comprehensive information across the following dimensions: technical approach, management structure, implementation and cooperation strategy, financial planning, and an outline of the targeted business case(s). This information will form the basis for discussions with ESA’s technical experts and subsequently with the National representatives of the Participating States of the Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme and the HydRON project.

The proposal must also detail the potential cooperation framework between the proposing industry entities (e.g., Service Providers, Operators, System Primes, and User Equipment Manufacturers) and ESA. This includes outlining any flight opportunities, utilisation plans for HDS-E#3, and strategies for commercial exploitation or other forms of co-investment.

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL TODAY!

The HDS-E#3 Call is open to entities established in the Participating States of the Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme and the HydRON project. Eligible industry stakeholders are invited to submit proposals aimed at leading the definition, development, and in-orbit demonstration of the HDS-E#3 element.

This call is conducted under the framework of the ARTES 4.0 Open Call for Proposals managed by ESA’s Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communication for the Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight.

Detailed guidelines for the HDS-E#3 Call can be downloaded here: HDS-E#3 Call Guidelines.

Participating States include: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Submitted ideas will be assessed for:

  • 1. Compliance to the Call Guidelines for HDS-E#3
  • 2. Innovation, credibility and feasibility
  • 3. Commercial, strategic and technological relevance
  • 4. Performance impacts at sub-system or system level
  • 5. Direct or indirect business opportunity for the ARTES Member States’ industry

For any further questions, please contact us directly at ScyLight@esa.int, and refer to the announcement on the esa-star news announcement.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Home   /  ARTES 4.0 Pioneer Call for Proposals

ARTES 4.0 Pioneer Call for Proposals

Opportunity
Open Call for Proposals
ESA star ref.
4-40011

With the current large growth for space-based services, now is the right time, more than ever, to further support the emergence of new European and Canadian Space Mission Providers (SMPs), lowering the barriers for entry into space markets and attracting new entrepreneurs.

Pioneer Partnership Projects

The objective of the Pioneer Partnership Projects is to facilitate the emergence of new Space Mission Providers offering a one-stop-shop for customers wishing to demonstrate innovative space solutions. The projects are targeted at affordable and timely access to space, lowering the barriers for demonstration of innovative services, and include one or more in-orbit validation missions to demonstrate and showcase the service.

Companies who are interested to join the Pioneer Programme are encouraged to access the Tender Action Package (reference 4-40011) on esa-star. The tendering process will follow a two-step approach with companies first submitting an outline proposal for evaluation by the Agency before progressing to the full proposal stage. Any questions on the Pioneer Call for Proposals can be addressed to the following dedicated email address: Pioneer_CfP@esa.int.

Seven Pioneer Partnership Projects have already been contracted with companies from four different Member States. From these projects, 28 spacecraft have already been launched, demonstrating the high interest and effectiveness of the programme.

Pioneer Partnership Projects is part of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) 4.0. For more information visit our Pioneer page.

Submit to our Call for Proposals
Home   /  Funding Opportunity: Support to Private Initiative...

Funding Opportunity: Support to Private Initiatives for Secure and Resilient End-to-End Satcom Solutions Serving Applications with Security, Safety and/or Sovereignty Requirements

Opportunity
Open Call for Proposals
Opening date
02/28/2024

esa-star reference links: 918 & 919 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Over the years, private initiatives led by new or established actors and aimed at developing end-to-end communication services addressing specific needs of institutional actors or regulated economic sectors have emerged in Europe and Canada.

Examples of targeted missions and systems include (but are not limited to): 

  • AERO C-band system for aviation regulated (safety) cockpit and command/control communications.
  • Aeronautical surveillance mission based on, for example, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), possibly combined with very high frequency (VHF) communications as a key enabler for aviation safety.
  • Ultra high frequency (UHF) communications system for governmental applications (e.g. public safety, crisis management).
  • Automatic Identification System (AIS) maritime surveillance or VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) connectivity as a key enabler for maritime safety and maritime domain awareness.
  • Radio frequency (RF) signal or spectrum monitoring services for wireless telecommunications infrastructure protection.
  • RF signals, including those from maritime VHF transceivers, personal transceivers, satellite phones, maritime and airplane radars, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) electromagnetic interferences, emergency beacons, ADS-B signals, as well as detection and characterisation services for maritime and aviation safety, law enforcement, humanitarian or disaster relief.
  • Terrestrial Network (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity solutions for automotive mobility safety use cases, such as e-call, road safety, safety-related traffic efficiency, advanced safety for automated driving.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity systems for monitoring critical assets and infrastructure.

To satisfy the target customers, these services shall comply with specific security, resilience and/or sovereignty requirements.

This new Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) opportunity aims to foster the development by European and Canadian private actors of such satellite communications mission, systems and technologies.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

SYSTEM STUDIES FOR END-TO-END SATCOM SOLUTIONS

Industry is invited to submit proposals for system studies aimed at consolidating end-to-end satellite communications missions and system concepts aimed at serving applications with security, safety and/or sovereignty requirements, and preparing the following development and deployment steps.

Download the Call for Proposal Document

TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS FOR SECURE AND RESILIENT SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

Industry is invited to submit proposals for initiating early development of technologies and products critical to the development of infrastructures providing satellite communication services for applications with safety, security and/or sovereignty requirements, and/or to enhance security and resilience of satcom systems and products (e.g. cybersecurity products for satcom systems, anti-jamming techniques, secure routing for resilient space-based communication).

Any development in the areas of ground, space and system are considered.

Download the Call for Proposal Document

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer funding and technical support to companies for system studies and development of technologies and products addressing the key areas outlined above.

ESA support will be based on a co-funding scheme where the funding levels will take into consideration product maturity and the risks involved.

WHO CAN APPLY?

This call is open to Industry within ESA Member States participating in the 4S Strategic Programme Line, namely: Austria (AT), Belgium (BE), Canada (CA), Czech Republic (CZ), Denmark (DK), Estonia (EE), Finland (FI), France (FR), Germany (DE), Greece (GR), Hungary (HU), Ireland (IE), Italy (IT), Luxembourg (LU), the Netherlands (NL), Norway (NO), Poland (PL), Portugal (PT), Romania (RO), Spain (ES), Switzerland (CH), and the United Kingdom (UK).

HOW TO APPLY?

There are two steps involved in applying to this call:

1. Outline Proposal: the first step is the submission of an Outline Proposal. Outline Proposals can be submitted any time during the opening period, and will be assessed promptly by ESA.

2. Full Proposal: Following notification from ESA on the acceptance of the Outline Proposal, the Tenderer may decide to prepare a Full Proposal using the provided template.  Only Full Proposals supported with a “Letter(s) of Authorisation of Funding” (AOF) from National Delegations covering the Full Proposal will be admitted for evaluation. The Full Proposals shall be delivered via “esa-star.”

Companies interested in proposing a project are strongly advised to contact their national delegations in advance to start the process of obtaining an Authorisation of Funding.

In addition, interested parties are advised to start the registration of their team on esa-star as soon as possible as it may take some time. If a team is made up of more than one company or organisation, each member will need to register.

For more information download the 4S initiatives documentation under the relevant focus area and view the presentation from our webinar.

EXTENDED DEADLINE 

The funding opportunity has been extended for a further year, closing in February 2026.

WEBINAR

A webinar took place on 19 March 2024 at 11:00 CET. You can view the presentation below.

View the Presentation