ESA Supports Industry-Initiated Satcom Engineering & Technology

For over 15 years, the European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully implemented Partnership Projects through its Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme. This portfolio includes more than 50 satellite-based systems at various stages of implementation, ranging from large geostationary satellites to CubeSats.

These projects bring the European space industry together around innovative, cutting-edge solutions developed in collaboration with private operators. Alongside traditional research and development Invitations to Tender (issued via the EMITS procurement system), ESA offers several permanent Calls for Proposals to boost industry competitiveness.

1. ARTES 4.0 – Preparatory Activities

This call helps the satellite communication industry to prepare partnership projects introducing innovative, space-based solutions into the commercial market.

• Objective: Conduct early-phase activities (typically Phase 0/A and/or B1) to bring a project to the maturity level required for formal implementation.
• Scope: Covers feasibility analyses, technical specification definitions, risk assessments (technical, schedule, financial), business planning, and early-stage technology validation.
• Apply Here: esa-star Tender Actions – 183867

2. ARTES 4.0 – Technology and Product Developments

This initiative supports industry-initiated activities across various strategic program lines, including Competitiveness & Growth, 5G/6G, Sustainable Connectivity, ScyLight, and 4S.

• Objective: Maintain and improve the market competitiveness of ESA Member State industries in the Telecom domain.
• Scope: Supports the development of innovative technology and services at any point in the development pipeline—from the initial idea to a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
• Apply Here: esa-star Tender Actions – 190744

3. Pioneer Partnership Projects (Pioneer 4.0)

Pioneer focuses on developing the necessary space infrastructure to provision new telecom- related services

• Objective: Support the emergence of Space Mission Providers (SMPs)—commercial entities operating as one-stop-shop service providers for public and private customers.
• Apply Here: esa-star Tender Actions – 66556

How to Submit a Proposal

To apply for an ESA industry-initiated partnership, you must complete the following steps:

• Register on esa-star: Registration is mandatory to download relevant tender documents.
• Secure National Delegation Support: Before ESA can evaluate any application, you must obtain a formal Authorisation of Funding from your country’s national space delegation (e.g., UK Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, Belspo).
• Submit an Outline Proposal first: It is highly recommended to secure tentative national support and submit a brief outline proposal via esa-star (see also contacts below). This allows you to receive case-by-case feedback before investing resources into a full proposal.
• Arrange Co-Funding: All industry-initiated activities require financial co-funding. ESA’s financial contribution rules are:
  • Up to 75% of eligible costs for technologies up to TRL 6
  • Up to 50% of eligible costs for technologies at TRL 7 and beyond
• Further Questions: ESA’s Commercial Partnerships Department (CIP-P) is available to provide further details or support should you require any assistance.

Contact:

For Partnership Project preparation: francois.balme@esa.int and Oscar.del.Rio.Herrero@esa.int

For ARTES 4.0 Technologies and Products: Antonio.franchi@esa.int and Fabrizio.De.Paolis@esa.int

For Pioneer 4.0: clive.edwards@esa.int and Oscar.del.Rio.Herrero@esa.int