On 22 October 2024, the FIRST! Propulsion Pitch Day, part of ESA’s future Space Transportation Ecosystem Programme (FLPP), virtually brought together 150 participants from Europe’s leading technology providers, industry primes and investors to explore disruptive propulsion solutions. With 95 submissions from 13 countries, the event marked the end of Stage 1 in the two-stage procurement process and demonstrated Europe’s leadership in space transportation.
Europe’s Space Sector Brings New Innovations
The FIRST! initiative of the future Space Transportation Ecosystem Programme follows a two-stage process to identify and develop disruptive technologies. Stage 1 began with ESA’s call for ideas through its Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP). ESA then evaluated these ideas, selecting participants with promising ideas to present their technologies at the Pitch Day. This event allowed technology providers to pitch their innovations to investors and industry primes, who discussed the need for certain emerging technologies.
The open competition procurement process – source
“The range of innovation is impressive”, said Luis Escudero, Manager of the FIRST! initiative. “These ideas have the potential to transform space transportation propulsion systems”. Kate Underhill, Upper Stage and Propulsion Demonstrators Project Manager, added, “We expected strong proposals, but the diversity and depth of the ideas exceeded expectations, demonstrating the strong talent we have in Europe”.
13 launcher and in-space transportation primes and 19 technology providers presented during the pitch day, with the technology providers organised into four key themes that the FIRST! Propulsion team identified from the OSIP submissions:
- Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion / New propellants for launcher and in-space transportation
- Launcher and In-Space Engine Electrification, Sensors and Intelligence
- Launcher and In-Space Engine Components Design and Technology
- New materials and processes for launcher and in-space liquid propulsion
These categories arose organically from the ideas submitted. “FIRST! is a great example of ESA’s future space transportation ecosystem programme piloting the European space transportation ecosystem. We see strong leadership from the European space sector’s industrial landscape and its force of disruption”, commented Escudero. “It’s exciting to see these technologies emerging from those at the forefront of development”.
The upcoming Invitation to Tender (ITT) will focus on these areas, inviting Pitch Day participants and newcomers to submit detailed proposals for potential contracts. With Stage 1 now complete, the focus turns to Stage 2, where companies can submit their full proposals through ESA-STAR. This stage offers the chance to secure ESA contracts to further develop their technologies.
Collaborative Innovation
Collaboration is a key theme in the programme. Launcher and in-space transportation primes outlined their needs, while technology providers, both large and small, connected with experts for the possibility to form partnerships that could accelerate the path to market for emerging solutions.
“What we’ve seen today is the importance of bringing together different players in the industry”, Underhill said. “Collaboration is essential if we want to tackle the major challenges in space transportation, and today’s event provided that platform”.
With the Pitch Day complete, the ITT will open in November for companies to submit their full proposals. Depending on the quality of the proposals received, several contracts could be awarded in each category; the subsequent projects will run for approximately 12 months. This process offers a clear path for innovators to move from concept to commercial development, with support from ESA and industry primes.
Next Steps
The ITT will open in November, allowing both Pitch Day participants and new entrants to submit full proposals through ESA-STAR. Stage 2 focuses on the four key technology categories identified during the event, with several contracts per category possible. This stage offers a clear path for eligible companies to secure ESA contracts, develop their innovations, and contribute to Europe’s space transportation future.
The FIRST! Propulsion Pitch Day highlighted the innovative solutions fuelling Europe’s leadership in space propulsion. The Space Transportation Ecosystem Programme will continue advancing these efforts with upcoming events, including:
- November 2024: FIRST! Reusability Call for Ideas
- January 2025: The In-Space Transportation Club Session #3
- April 2025: Future Space Transportation Hybrid Event in Paris
- October 2025: Future Space Transportation Hybrid Event in Paris
For updates on the ITT, calls for ideas and upcoming events, visit ESA’s Space Transportation for Business website.
ESA | Space Transportation for Business
