Arctic Region Safety, Navigation and Operations Call for Proposals
ESA’s Arctic Region Safety, Navigation and Operations grant funds research into space-enabled solutions for safer, more efficient maritime activity in the rapidly changing Arctic environment.
Funder: European Space Agency
Due Dates: November 5, 2026 (Call closing date for Arctic Region — Safety, Navigation and Operations sub-call)
Funding Amounts: Zero-equity funding; ESA typically covers 50–80% of project costs depending on SME status and national delegation approval.
Summary: Supports space-enabled solutions that improve maritime safety, navigation, and operational resilience in the rapidly changing Arctic region.
Key Information: Proposals require national delegation authorisation and must be submitted via ESA's APQ process.
Description
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites proposals for innovative, space-enabled solutions that address operational, environmental, and security challenges in the Arctic. This call specifically targets projects that enhance maritime safety, navigation, situational awareness, and operational resilience in Arctic conditions. As climate change transforms the region, ESA seeks technologies that improve ice monitoring, route optimisation, search and rescue, and the detection of risks and unlawful activities, ultimately safeguarding vessels and infrastructure.
This opportunity is part of ESA's Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme, aiming to foster commercially viable services leveraging satellite data and technology. The call is open to a wide range of actors, including companies, consortia, and cross-sectoral teams that can demonstrate clear user needs and the involvement of relevant stakeholders.
