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Space Technology and Applications Development

ESA’s technology activities are implemented through several ESA preparatory programmes, either of thematic or horizontal nature. The main goal of the ESA technology programmes is to support technology development up to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5/6. To achieve the required Technology Readiness Level (TRL), continuity is needed in technology programmes and between technology and user programmes.

Overview of ESA’s Technology R&D programmes and initiatives

The development of technology – making new things to do new things – is central to the European Space Agency ESA's existence. ESA runs a suite of preparatory programmes covering various technical maturity levels and domains.

The Basic Technology Research Programme (TRP) is responsible for early development stages across all service and technology domains, taking cutting-edge ideas and testing their suitability for space applications.
The General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) takes previously proven innovations through to succeeding stages of engineering, finally evolving fully-tested hardware ready for adoption by future missions or transferring technologies into non-space and/or commercial space domains.

Other technology programmes serve specific fields:

The Advanced Research in Telecom Systems (ARTES) programme supports the evolution of satellite telecommunication systems and services.
The Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) develops new technologies and capabilities for European launchers

Together, these four programmes account for about three-quarters of ESA's technology R&D.

Swiss entities can participate in these programmes, however, special provisions apply to ARTES (Telecom), GSTP (General Support Technology) and NAVISP (Navigation Innovation).

Additional ESA programmes with a strong R&D component include:

Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP)
European GNSS Evolution Programme (EGEP)
Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP)
Exploration Preparation Research and Technology (ExPERT)
Science Core Technology Programme (CTP)

More Information is available on the ESA website: ESA - About ESA technology programmes

GSTP (General Support Technology Programme)

The General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) prepares potentially interesting technologies for all ESA programmes: interfaces with user programmes, development of generic and cross-cutting technologies, aspects of scientific experiments and pilot projects.

The GSTP is an optional ESA programme in which Switzerland is participating. GSTP activities cover all ESA domains plus Generic Technologies, except Telecommunications, which has its own programme (see ARTES - Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems).

Participating in GSTP activities

To participate in GSTP activities, you must follow specific rules and obtain a funding authorization, known as a ‹Letter of Support,› from the Swiss delegation to ESA.

The general process to obtain this letter is explained in detail under the following page: Submitting a proposal to the Swiss Space Office

ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems)

The Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme promotes development and innovation of leading-edge technology products and services in the field of satellite communications. It aims to keep European and Canadian industry at the top of the highly competitive global market. ARTES offers different levels of support for projects with varying degrees of operational and commercial maturity.

ARTES consists of three branches:

Core Competitiveness: Development of new or next-generation satellite communications products and technologies for their first use in space.
ESA Partnership Projects: Collaboration with satellite operators and manufacturers to share the risk of investing in new technologies and accelerate their market launch.
Business Applications: Development of applications and services that use satellite communications technology to improve existing solutions or close gaps.

Participating in ARTES activities

Click here to find more information on how to participate in the ARTES programme: ESA Connectivity ARTES

Click here to find information on requirements and where an explicit funding authorisation of the national ESA Delegation (e.g. with a «letter of support» or a "letter of authorisation") is needed: Submitting a proposal to the Swiss Space Office

NAVISP aims to facilitate the development of innovative proposals in the field of satellite navigation/PNT with the participating states and their industry, in coordination with the EU and its institutions. It is investigating the integration of satellite navigation with non-space- technologies and complementary positioning and communication techniques. NAVISP is an important part of the overall European GNSS landscape and combines ESA’s expertise, acquired through Galileo, EGNOS and navigation programmes, with the existing industrial base of the European navigation sector.

NAVISP is structured into three elements, with the first developing new space based PNT technologies and concepts, the second focusing on industrial competitiveness and the third offering support to national programs and activities of Member States.

Participating in NAVISP activities

Click here to find more information on the NAVISP programmes: ESA's NAVISP Programmes

Switzerland has subscribed to the three NAVISP elements. Support for activities under the three elements are subject to the same approval process as for ARTES and GSTP.

Boost! Programme

The ESA Boost! Programme promotes commercial initiatives that offer space transport services to, from and in space. Through this programme, the ESA supports its member states in achieving national space transport objectives in the areas of spaceports and testing facilities, as well as related services. The programme consists of three elements:

Boost! 1: Commercial Space Transportation Services Element.
Boost! 2: Support to Participating States Element.
Boost! 3: Space Transportation Services Procurement Element

Click here to find more information on the Boost! Programme: ESA - Boost! overview

BASS – Business Applications and Space Solutions (part of ARTES 4.0)

Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) is part of ESA's ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) 4.0 programme and is looking for great business ideas involving space in all areas of society and economy. The program supports businesses in leveraging space data and technology to develop innovative commercial services.

Click here to find more information on ESA Space Solutions and how you can apply.

ScaleUp Programme

The ESA ScaleUp programme aims to accelerate the commercialisation of space for a green and digital Europe and to support the growth of private investments in space. It promotes game-changing New Space innovations and supports businesses in accessing global markets and investors to accelerate growth. The programmes are based on two core elements:

ScaleUp INNOVATE through Φ-labNET, ESA BIC (Business Incubation Centres) and ESA Technology Brokers.
ScaleUP INVEST through Business Accelerators and Marketplace.

Click here to find more information on the ScaleUp programme: SCALEUP - ESA Commercialisation Gateway

Submitting a proposal: Guidelines and rules

For further information, please see "Guidelines and applicable rules for submitting a proposal to the Swiss Space Office".

Guidelines and applicable rules for submitting a proposal to the Swiss Space Office

Specific programmes of the European Space Agency ESA (e.g. ARTES, GSTP, NAVISP, etc.) require the explicit funding authorisation of the national ESA Delegation ("letter of support" or "letter of authorisation"). This section outlines the associated guidelines and applicable rules to obtain such a letter.

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI

Swiss Space Office