Space critical equipment for EU non-dependence
Space critical equipment for EU non-dependence supports European project teams developing critical space equipment and resilient supply chains to reduce external dependencies and strengthen EU autonomy.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: October 7, 2027 (Opening) | January 20, 2028 (Application deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)
Funding Amounts: €3 million–€4 million expected EU contribution per project; 2 grants expected
Summary: Supports development of critical space equipment and resilient supply chains to reduce non-EU dependencies and strengthen EU strategic autonomy.
Key Information: Participation is limited to entities established in EU Member States, Norway and Iceland, with restrictions on non-eligible-country control.
Description
The European Commission funds this Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action under the Digital, Industry and Space cluster. It supports development projects that mature critical space equipment and related technologies needed for EU space missions. The goals are unrestricted access, long-term sustainable supply chains, and products matching or exceeding the performance of non-EU alternatives, including technologies whose availability is constrained by export controls.
Projects are expected to reach technology readiness level 6 by completion. Supply chains should preferably be fully EU-based, with trusted alternatives free from non-EU export controls where EU capabilities cannot be developed within the project. The topic also encourages technology transfer and bilateral collaboration between European space and non-space industries, alongside activities complementary to national programmes and European space agencies.
