[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 2, 2027 (submission deadline, single-stage call)

€2,000,000–€3,000,000 per project; 2 grants anticipated; lump sum funding under Horizon Europe Innovation Actions.

Supports research and innovation in digital autonomy, design, and simulation tools for space transportation systems to boost EU competitiveness and sustainability.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, aims to foster the development and maturation of disruptive digital technologies for space transportation systems. The focus is on advancing autonomy, data fusion, navigation, mission planning, advanced process automation, and digital eco-design for launch and reusability solutions. The initiative is part of the European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems and is intended to strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy, sustainability, and leadership in the global space sector. Projects are expected to: - Enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of European space transportation systems. - Advance digital enablers such as model-based system engineering, digital simulation, and autonomous systems. - Promote rapid uptake of innovation into commercial space use. - Leverage existing EU technologies and ensure complementarity with other EU and ESA-funded initiatives. - Foster collaboration among industry, SMEs, research institutions, and academia. --- ## Due Dates - September 2, 2027: Submission deadline (single-stage call) --- ## Funding Amount - Total indicative budget for this topic: €5,000,000 (2027) - Expected grant size: €2,000,000–€3,000,000 per project - Anticipated number of grants: 2 - Funding modality: Lump sum under Horizon Innovation Actions --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities established in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and specific associated countries: Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Switzerland. - Additional third countries may become eligible if associated with Horizon Europe at the time of application. - Entities controlled by non-eligible countries/entities may face restrictions unless guarantees are provided to ensure protection of EU strategic interests. - Entities from China are not eligible. - Proposals must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data/services if satellite-based earth observation, positioning, or navigation is involved. - All participants must complete a declaration of ownership and control as part of the application. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-12?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=3&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Prepare applications using the [standard HE RIA/IA application form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). - Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout requirements as described in the application form and relevant annexes. - Evaluation criteria and process are detailed in [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) and the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). - All project participants must submit a [declaration of ownership and control](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/ownership-control-declaration_en.docx). --- ## Additional Information - Proposals should clearly demonstrate how they contribute to EU non-dependence and strategic autonomy. - Projects should complement ongoing or completed Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, national, and ESA-funded activities. - The gender dimension in research content should be addressed where relevant. - Awarded proposals may receive a STEP Seal for excellence in strategic technologies. --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-12?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=3&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (2026-2027)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [FAQ and Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General EC Contact | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT/Portal Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | Phone (EC switchboard) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Digital solutions for autonomy for space transportation systems, design and simulation tools - Digital enablers and building blocks (Space Partnership) - European Commission

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