Up to €4 Million for Critical Space Technology Development – Horizon Europe

The European Commission has announced a funding opportunity offering €3 million to €4 million per project through the Horizon Europe programme.

The Space Critical Equipment for EU Non-Dependence call supports research and innovation projects developing essential technologies for European space missions.

Its primary objective is to reduce Europe's reliance on critical equipment sourced from outside the European Union, strengthen secure supply chains and improve the competitiveness of the European space industry.

Approximately two projects are expected to receive funding.

Applications are scheduled to open on 7 October 2027.

Here's what you can expect:

• €3 million–€4 million in funding per project

• Approximately two projects expected to receive awards

• Research and innovation funding for critical space technologies

• Support for developing European manufacturing capabilities

• Funding to reduce reliance on non-European suppliers

• Support for resilient and secure supply chains

• Opportunities for collaboration between research institutions and industry

• Funding for technologies intended to reach Technology Readiness Level 6

What projects can be funded?

1. Critical Space Equipment Development

Projects developing or improving technologies essential to European space missions.

2. European Supply Chain Independence

Research and innovation activities reducing dependence on equipment and technologies subject to non-EU export restrictions.

3. Advanced Space Manufacturing

Projects strengthening European manufacturing capabilities and developing competitive alternatives to equipment sourced internationally.

4. Technology Development and Validation

Projects advancing critical space technologies towards Technology Readiness Level 6, demonstrating their performance in relevant environments.

5. Cross-Industry Collaboration

Initiatives encouraging cooperation between space and non-space industries to accelerate technology development.

Projects should complement existing national and European space research activities.

Who can apply?

Participation is restricted to eligible legal entities established in:

• European Union Member States

• Norway

• Iceland

Potential applicants include:

• Aerospace and space technology companies

• Research institutions

• Universities

• Advanced manufacturing businesses

• Eligible SMEs

• Industrial research partnerships

Applicants must satisfy the programme's technical, financial, consortium and security requirements.

Important: UK-established organisations are not eligible for this particular funding opportunity.

The call contains additional restrictions affecting organisations controlled by entities in countries outside the permitted geographic area.

Key project requirements

Successful proposals should demonstrate how their activities will:

• Reduce European dependence on critical non-EU space technologies.

• Strengthen access to essential equipment for European space missions.

• Develop reliable and secure supply chains.

• Improve the performance and competitiveness of European technologies.

• Support long-term European industrial capabilities.

• Achieve the expected technological maturity.

Projects using satellite-based Earth observation, navigation or positioning data must comply with the programme's requirements concerning Copernicus and Galileo/EGNOS.

How much funding is available?

Expected EU Contribution Per Project: €3 million–€4 million

Expected Number of Awards: 2

Funding Type: Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action

Funding Rate: Up to 100% of eligible costs, subject to programme rules

Geographic Eligibility: EU Member States, Norway and Iceland

How does the application process work?

Step 1 – Review Eligibility

Confirm that all participating organisations meet the geographic and security requirements.

Step 2 – Develop the Project

Identify the critical space equipment or technology to be developed and explain how the project will strengthen European independence.

Step 3 – Establish a Consortium

Where required, develop a research and innovation partnership that meets the Horizon Europe participation rules.

Step 4 – Prepare the Proposal

Complete the technical and administrative documentation through the European Commission's Funding & Tenders Portal.

Step 5 – Submit the Application

Applications can be submitted once the call opens.

Step 6 – Evaluation

Proposals will be assessed against the programme's evaluation criteria, including their technical quality, impact and implementation.

Key dates

Application Opening Date: 7 October 2027

Application Deadline: 20 January 2028