Specific Challenge:
The space sector is a strategic asset contributing to the independence, security and prosperity of Europe and its role in the world. Europe needs non-dependent access to critical space technologies, which is a conditio-sine-qua-non for achieving Europe’s strategic objectives. "Non-dependence" refers to the possibility for Europe to have free, unrestricted access to any required space technology. Whenever possible multiple (>1) sources for the critical technologies shall be promoted across Europe. Reaching non-dependence in certain technologies will open new markets to our industries and will increase the overall competitiveness of the European Space sector.
Scope:Research in technologies for European non-dependence and competitiveness has been undertaken within the frame of the Joint EC-ESA-EDA Task Force on Critical Technologies for European non-Dependence, launched in 2008. The Joint Task Force recently updated the list of actions for 2015-2017[1].
Activities shall address technologies identified on the list of Actions for 2015/2017 focusing on those areas that have not so far benefitted from prior Framework Programme funding and representing the highest potential for being implemented through the types of action available in Horizon 2020.
Accordingly, the following priority technologies have been identified:
Technological spin in and/or bilateral collaborations should be enhanced between European non-space and space industries and proposals are expected to provide advanced critical technologies that are of common interest to different space application domains (e.g. telecom, Earth-observation, science, etc.), or even with applicability to terrestrial domains.
Proposals should strive to go beyond the present state-of-the-art or, preferably, the expected state of the art at the time of completion if alternative technologies are being developed outside Europe. High level specifications and key requirements can be found in the list of actions for 2015-2017.
Proposals should include a work package dedicated to the development of a commercial evaluation of the technology, and should address how to access the commercial market with a full range (preload) of recurring products.
A maximum of one proposal per identified priority technology line will be selected for funding.
The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 2 and 5 million would allow this specific topic to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.
In projects to be funded under this topic participation of industry, in particular SMEs, is encouraged.
Expected Impact:[1]Excerpt from "Critical Space Technologies for European Strategic Non-Dependence – Actions for 2015/2017" (http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/space/research/horizon-2020)