Digital enablers and building-blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)
Funds R&I projects to advance digital technologies and building blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite Communication, boosting the EU space sector’s competitiveness and commercial potential.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
European Commission has archived this opportunity.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: September 3, 2026
Funding Amounts: €3,000,000–€6,000,000 per project; total call budget €12,000,000; project duration typically 36–48 months (lump sum grant)
Summary: Supports R&I projects developing digital technologies and building blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite Communication to strengthen the EU space sector's competitiveness and commercial applications.
Key Information: Participation restricted to entities in the EU, Iceland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, with strict ownership/control requirements for strategic autonomy.
Description
This Horizon Europe call funds research and innovation actions (RIAs) to advance digital enablers and building blocks critical for Earth Observation (EO) and Satellite Communication (SatCom) systems under the European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems. The focus is on developing low to mid Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies that will enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, and commercial potential of the European space sector.
Projects should address one or more of the following areas:
- End-to-end SatCom mission capabilities for current and future satellite networks, including interoperability and digital ground infrastructure.
- Advanced EO equipment, subsystems, applications, and services, targeting improved timeliness, resolution, and miniaturization.
- Common building blocks for EO and SatCom, such as system resource optimization, high-performance processing payloads, and hybrid ground stations (RF/optical), including quantum technologies for space.
Proposals must clearly identify their primary focus area, demonstrate alignment with EU non-dependence and competitiveness goals, and show how they leverage existing EU and ESA technologies. Collaboration between industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia is strongly encouraged, with an emphasis on rapid translation of innovations into commercial use.
