The Commercial Cargo Transportation Initiative provides an ad-hoc partnership/support scheme, whereby private companies receive support from ESA for the development of commercial cargo transportation services to human outposts in LEO. Such services shall specifically target operations with the International Space Station (ISS), as well as future Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD). 

The final goal of the Commercial Cargo Transportation Initiative is to execute a demonstration mission delivering a minimum of 2 tons of pressurized cargo to the ISS, as well as safely returning a minimum of 1 ton back to Earth before the end of 2028. The provision of additional capabilities, such as the delivery of unpressurized cargo or more pressurized cargo is not excluded but it is not required. If successful, ESA will follow-up the initiative with actual service contracts.

To know more about this initiative, a webinar will be organised on 15 June 2023 at 10.00 am CEST.