Commercial Applications enabled by Space Environments (CASE)
ESA's CASE Open Call funds research and development of commercial products and services that exploit unique space environments, such as microgravity, using ISS and future space infrastructure.
Funder: European Space Agency
Due Dates: December 17, 2027 (Clarification/Extension Request) | December 31, 2027 (Full Proposal Submission)
Funding Amounts: Feasibility Studies: up to €500,000; Demonstration Projects: assessed case-by-case; ESA co-funding up to 50–80% (higher for SMEs, universities, research institutes).
Summary: Supports the development and demonstration of commercial services and products that leverage unique space environments, such as microgravity, with funding and technical guidance.
Key Information: Applicants may submit up to two Activity Pitch Questionnaires (APQs) per year.
Description
The Commercial Applications enabled by Space Environments (CASE) Open Call, run by the European Space Agency (ESA), funds the development of innovative commercial services, products, and applications that utilize unique conditions available in space (e.g., microgravity, extreme temperatures, radiation). The program focuses on supporting feasibility studies and demonstration projects that exploit existing space infrastructure—such as facilities aboard the International Space Station (ISS) or future low-Earth orbit (LEO)/lunar platforms—to create new business opportunities and operational services.
CASE offers zero-equity funding, tailored technical and commercial support, access to ESA’s partner network, and the credibility of the ESA brand. The initiative is designed to help companies validate their business case, prepare for spaceflight, and develop end-to-end solutions that benefit from the space environment, with the aim of bringing new commercial services to market.
