Registration B2B choices:
More information on the various topics is available here: In-Space Transportation – ESA Space Transportation for Business
- In-Space Transportation Vehicles (ISTV)
ESA Future Space Transportation (FLPP) can support industry with the maturation of ISTVs. This means orbital flight vehicles performing Space Logistics Services related to in-space transportation, such as (but not limited to) motorised dispensers, space tugs and kick-stages.
- Nuclear Propulsion
ESA Future Space Transportation (FLPP) is preparing the technological foundations for future nuclear electric propulsion by advancing the five critical technology areas: nuclear reactors, radiation shielding, heat transport and rejection, power conversion, and electric propulsion. Current activities include work on nuclear fuel assessment, sodium heat pipe experiments, high-temperature radiators, and power conversion systems. We welcome partnerships with industry and academia to contribute to this technology maturation and develop the expertise needed for future space applications.
- Standard Servicing Interfaces (SSI)
SSI are a set of common interfaces and standards intended to enable interoperability, modularity, and compatibility between spacecraft involved in future in-space servicing and logistics missions. They cover key functions such as rendezvous, capture and docking, interconnects, refilling, orbital replacement units, and other servicing features, enabling spacecraft from different providers to interact through a common framework.
- In-Space Proof-of-Concept 1 (InSPoC-1)
InSPoC-1 focuses on the maturation of rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), docking mechanisms, and non-cryogenic in-orbit refilling, as enabling building blocks for future servicing and transportation architectures. The activity aims to define a credible path towards an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) based on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach, demonstrating early operational capabilities while reducing technical and programmatic risks for subsequent commercial in-space logistics services.
- In-Space Proof-of-Concept 2 (InSPoC-2)
InSPoC-2 focuses on the maturation of technologies and operational concepts required for in-orbit cryogenic propellant management and refilling, addressing key challenges such as long-term storage, fluid transfer, and required interfaces. The activity aims to define and de-risk a path towards an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) based on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach.
- In-Space Proof-of-Concept 3 (InSPoC-3)
InSPoC-3 aims to demonstrate the key enabling capabilities for on-board and shared intelligence, culminating in an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) of these capabilities. Future space tugs need to be long-lasting, remotely serviceable in-space vehicles, performing several missions over their lifecycle, operating safely from one docking to another, collaborating with a growing number of targets, and being orchestrated as fleets of vehicles and cargo. The key focus areas are On-board Autonomy and Reconfigurability, On-board Safety and Longevity, Shared Intelligence for Advanced In-Space Cooperation, and Spacecraft Fleet Management.
- In-Space Proof-of-Concept 4 (InSPoC-4)
InSPoC-4 focuses on defining the foundations of a future European in-space logistics ecosystem by identifying, characterising, and consolidating common logistics use cases, customer needs, cargo categories, interfaces, and operational concepts. The activity is intended to establish a common vision and roadmap for future developments, enabling the definition of scalable logistics architectures and preparing the ground for subsequent technology maturation and In-Orbit Demonstrations (IODs) based on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach.
- Odyssey
Odyssey is ESA’s long-term vision for establishing a sustainable European in-space refilling ecosystem, built around a progressive roadmap that starts with distributed refilling services from individual transfer tanks and evolves towards more integrated infrastructures based on centralised orbital propellant depots. The initiative seeks to stimulate both institutional and commercial demand, with ESA acting as an anchor customer, while developing the technologies, interfaces, operational concepts, and business models required.
- Preparing for Commercial Success in Emerging ISAM Markets
ESA is committed to the commercial success of European space companies in the emerging ISAM sector. Achieving this means adopting a system-wide perspective with clearly defined end customers and investors, both public and private, who are willing to provide capital on the strength of a clear investment case. The focus of the Market Development Services (MDS) work, led by ESA’s Directorate for Commercialisation and Industry Partnerships (CIP), is to ensure European space companies have robust business cases within the ISAM value chain. The UK, with its commercial strengths and space capabilities, is well positioned for first-mover advantage in the emerging ISAM ecosystem.
- FIRST! for In-Space Transportation
FIRST! stands for Future Innovation and Research in Space Transportation. The programme finds, funds, and accelerates high-potential technology disruptors for future European space systems through open competitions, rapid prototyping, and early testing. In the context of this event, discussions will focus on technologies supporting in-space transportation and logistics.
- FLPP Administrative Aspects
Any administrative or programmatic questions related to FLPP, including procurement processes, budgets, and related topics.