Developing a New Space ecosystem

ESA is enabling and accelerating space business as part of its long-term plans for Europe in space described in its Agenda 2025. In November 2022, the Agency will make proposals at the ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial Level (CM22) intended to encourage innovative technology development and commercialisation in the European space sector.

This involves plans to support the competitiveness of European New Space ventures in the global space markets. ESA plans to provide external support to business development which may include technical consultancy and advice, access to technical facilities, in-orbit demonstration and validation opportunities, as well as support to access private investments within its proposed ScaleUp programme.

This type of support is complementary to ESA’s traditional R&D procurement implemented through classic ESA programmes and missions. It is intended to boost new business for ESA Business Incubation Centres, foster disruptive innovation within PhilabNet, promote technology transfer and patenting.

ESA’s goal is to enable industry to take more risks, introduce more innovation and come to the market faster to ensure breakeven for private investors, and build a stronger European space economy.