Future space ecosystems: on-orbit operations, preparation of orbital demonstration mission - Guidance Document for Horizon Europe Space Work ...
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Future space ecosystems: on-orbit operations,
preparation of orbital demonstration mission
HORIZON-CL4-2022-SPACE-01-11
Guidance Document for Horizon Europe Space
Work Programme 20221 Introduction
1.1 Scope of the document
This document provides guidance to applicants to the 2022 Call for “HORIZON-CL4-2022-SPACE-01-11:
Future space ecosystems: on-orbit operations, preparation of orbital demonstration mission”. The
document contains the detailed description of work, in terms of goals, achievements, programmatic
aspects (milestones, relation to past and future activities) and the detailed specification of deliverables
for the topic.
1.2 On-orbit servicing towards a future space ecosystem
On-orbit servicing (OOS) is an emerging market, ripe for growth. OOS capability is expected to enable, in
the coming decades, a paradigm shift change away from “static space” and towards “flexible, dynamic
and sustainable space”.
Since the servicing of the Hubble telescope by several Space Shuttle missions, the feasibility of OOS for
satellite repair and lifetime extension has been frequently discussed, but it was not until Northrup
Grumman’s MEV-1 and MEV-2 vehicles successfully serviced satellites in February 2020 and April 2021
that the commercial potential of OOS was fully demonstrated.
The future space ecosystem will be home to a promising variety of orbital services which will establish
new businesses in space in the next few years. Key market drivers for OOS over the next decade are
linked to the growth of LEO and GEO commercial activity, where OOS is projected to become a multi-
billion-dollar market, with valuations ranging from $3Bn (SpaceTec Partners, NSR 2019) to $6.2B (NSR
2020) for cumulative revenues to 2030. The OOS market will be led by debris removal services (both
active debris removal and end-of-life servicing), especially needed in the congested LEO, as well as by
life extension for satellites in GEO Telecom or LEO Earth observation satellites in LEO (more than 500
kg). Furthermore, OOS serves as a launch pad for the wider in-orbit ecosystem, building capability for
other longer-term commercial offers worth $10s of Bns.
Together with the European stakeholders, the European Commission defined key areas in its Strategic
Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for Space R&I1 considering the H2020 activities, also for Future
Space Ecosystems: on orbit operations, new system concepts (Section 3.2 of the SRIA). Currently, the
Commission is elaborating High-Level Roadmaps2 based on the SRIA together with European
stakeholders which should serve as guidance for further R&I programming fostering On-Orbit
Servicing/Assembly/Manufacturing (OSAM), Recycling, in-space logistics, functional building blocks as
well as required tools for design, new approaches for production and testing.
1 https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/39528
2 See Annex A for the DRAFT High-Level Roadmap for Future Space Ecosystem
2Robotic technologies, coupled with the adoption of new industrial processes, modular and maintainable
spacecraft architectures and approaches, digitalisation and artificial intelligence are at the core of this
paradigm shift towards intelligent space systems.
While dedicated technology is required to foster this business in space, a sustainable standardisation
framework is also needed, providing enough flexibility to let businesses emerge and grow in this field,
and ensure the continued safe use of space and space-based assets. The lack of standards impacts both
stakeholders on the demand and on the supply side.
Also, due to their nascent stage of market, the demand for OOS is not yet well-defined and the biggest
challenge in front of customers is deciding whether OOS will be affordable enough to fit in their business
case. OOS service providers face the challenge to offer flexible and smart solutions that will generate
sufficient economies of scale to become widely affordable.
Modularity and standardisation will help to maximize the number of satellites able to receive services,
make the operations safer and easier, creating a new range of upgrade possibilities, and reduce mission
costs, increase flexibility and bringing the necessary affordability to the OOS market.
1.3 The Space Robotics SRC
Recognising the need to innovate the space sector by leveraging on the potential of OOS, the European
Union launched the H2020 Strategic Research Cluster (SRC) in Space Robotics Technologies. The
objective of the SRC has been to enable major advances in space robotic technologies for future on-orbit
missions (robotics and proximity rendezvous), as well as the exploration of the surfaces of the other
bodies in our solar system. Specifically, the SRC of Space Robotics Technologies aimed at the
introduction of a sustainable, highly automated, flexible and economically viable space infrastructure in
a holistic approach, prepared to maximise commercial opportunities in space and on earth: the future
space ecosystem. A paradigm shift from conventional concepts towards more adaptive and intelligent
solutions, which are strongly required to explore new business opportunities for European actors in
space will be driving the activities.
During Horizon 2020, the PERASPERA programme collated a technology roadmap that moved from
common building block principles through to the first phases of a full orbital demonstrator. European
consortia, coordinated by the PERASPERA team, were funded by the EC to develop these building blocks
and to integrate them into systems demonstrating capabilities that would be fundamental for the new
system and mission concepts outlined above.
So far this work has resulted in unitary and partially-integrated systems validated using a combination of
laboratory tests, field trials, and computer simulations.
The last act of the H2020 SRC was the 2020 call which aimed at projects preparing the technologies for
demonstrators planned to be implemented in the 2023-2027 timeframe. Two projects were awarded
and have started in early 2021, EROSSplus3 and PERIOD4, both implementing a Phase 0-B1 as per ECSS
3 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101004346 and https://eross-h2020.eu/
4 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101004151 and https://period-h2020.eu/
3standard5. This call pursues further the preparation of such a demonstration mission, targeting Phases
B2-C.
2 Objectives of the call “HORIZON-CL4-2022-SPACE-01-11”
The expected outcomes of this topic is to prepare a European pioneering, high-impact but low-cost
orbital demonstration mission for On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) in 2025-2026 period that will demonstrate
and showcase European know-how, stimulating market generation, opening new business
opportunities, fostering international cooperation and delivering a long-lasting impact in the future
space ecosystem.
Projects should in particular contribute to sustain EU's space sector competitiveness as stated in the
expected impact of Future Space Ecosystem. Building on modularity and enabling on-orbit servicing,
assembly, manufacturing and recycling are strategical R&I activities to facilitate a smooth transition
between the short-term market needs and future commercial possibilities while respecting the
protection of the in-space ecosystem.
The project shall address phase B2-C mission development of a low-cost orbital demonstration mission
integrating robotic and autonomy technologies and technical building blocks with high-impact on future
commercial services.
The project shall also work on target-oriented maturation (TRL 6, finally) of technologies critical to the
realization of the demonstrator. Technology maturation should aim at risk reduction of the intended
pioneering orbital demonstration mission as well as at raise of confidence on OOS applications in
general.
The designed satellite platform shall be compatible with a functional upgrade later in Phase D enabled
by Orbital Replaceable Units (ORU) to deliver new/enhanced functionalities, developed outside this
topic and able to be connected to the platform using pre-existing standard interconnects 6(plug-and-play
concept).
During the work the project implementer are required to have an active interaction with the European
Operations Framework (EOF) for OOS, applying and enhancing the suggestions and recommendations of
the Guidelines document (expected release early 2022).
Proposals should introduce a pioneering, high-impact and market-oriented demonstration mission that
does not duplicate other mission concepts/services applications in Europe (for instance funded by ESA
or MS). More specifically, it is noted that proposals to the call are not expected to explicitly address the
subject of active debris removal (ADR) since it is not the focus of the demonstration mission; however, if
the system concept supports more than one application, among which ADR, this is deemed valid.
5 https://ecss.nl/standards/active-standards/
6 Multi-functional interface for OOS applications providing at least transfer of mechanical loads, power and data,
(e.g. HOTDOCK, iSSI or SIROM)
42.1 Work on Phase B2
In the Phase B2 of the project the following tasks are expected (excerpted from ECSS-M-ST-10C and
detailed):
Establish a preliminary design definition for the selected system concept and retained technical
solution(s).
Determine the verification program including model philosophy, identify testing facilities
Identify and define external interfaces.
Prepare the next level specification and related business agreement documents.
Pre-development work on critical technologies or system design areas when it is necessary to
reduce the development risks: in particular further enhance TRL of SRC building blocks selected
for use and other technologies necessary for the targeted business case7 (e.g., technologies for
modularity and reconfiguration, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations, On-board Computer and
Data-Handling, etc.) as well as unique components of the system, such as robot arm(s), robot
tools, System Interconnects, robot avionics (controller servo drive), perception sensors and
processing means. It is noted that while the SRC building blocks8 presently have not yet attained
a TRL sufficient to be of immediate use in a flight project in phase B2, they are expected to reach
it by the start of the project subject of this call.
Initiate any long-lead item procurement required to meet project schedule needs.
Prepare the space debris mitigation plan and the disposal plan compliance with ISO 24113:2019
Prepare a plan for the provision of the service (including links with customers and governmental
bodies), compliance with ISO 243309 and contribution to the EOF.
Conduct reliability and safety assessment.
Finalize the product tree, the work breakdown structure and the specification tree.
Update the risk assessment.
Release of updated technical requirements specifications.
Assessment of the preliminary design definition.
This work shall end with a Preliminary Design Review (PDR), in which the readiness of the project to
move into Phase C shall be assessed. The proposal shall elaborate review procedures and identify
reviewers within and from outside the consortium that will participate to the review process together
with the EC representatives and appointed reviewers.
2.2 Work on Phase C
Following successful PDR, the following tasks shall be undertaken (excerpted from ECSS-M-ST-10C and
detailed):
7 See Chapter 3.2
8 https://www.h2020-peraspera.eu/src-operational-grants/
9 https://www.iso.org/standard/72383.html and https://www.iso.org/standard/78463.html
5 Completion of the detailed design definition of the system at all levels in the customer‐supplier
chain (incl. Launch and Operations).
Production, development testing and pre‐qualification of selected critical elements and
components. In particular it is expected that a 1G operational demonstrator shall be produced.
All critical technologies shall reach TRL6.
Production and development testing of engineering models, as required by the selected model
philosophy and verification approach.
Completion of assembly, integration and test planning for the system and its constituent parts.
Detailed definition of internal and external interfaces.
Detailed definition of the servicing plan
Update of the risk assessment.
This work shall end with a Critical Design Review (CDR), in which the readiness of the project to move
into Phase D (not part of the grant) shall be assessed. The proposal shall elaborate review procedures
and identify reviewers within and from outside the consortium that will participate to the review
process together with the EC representatives and appointed reviewers.
2.3 Work to deal with legal, insurance, administrative and regulatory constraints to enable
launch/operation
The high-impact but low-cost orbital demonstration mission for On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) will have to
undergo the usual legal and administrative check/clearance to be launched, as other space projects.
However, due to the innovative aspects of the operation, it is likely that the project will have to undergo
additional scrutiny.
Furthermore, in view of the fact that the demonstrator is meant to enable a future business case, the
insurance aspect will have to be worked out so that it will make possible for the future business case to
benefit from specific favourable arrangements established in the course of this project.
2.4 Work on EOF guidelines input/feedback
The EOF Guidelines document contains recommendations for commercial orbital services. It is expected
that during the execution of the grant, the beneficiaries shall:
Provide feedback on how the EOF guidelines help/not-help in the development of the business
(as made by the demonstrator)
Contribute to the enhancement and update of the EOF; the beneficiaries shall provide a gap
analysis (EOF needs vs. Project needs) The gap analysis will allow to plan the improvement of
the EOF throughout the project execution. An update of the EOF shall be expected once a year
(around QIII). The applicant shall provide proposals for updating the EOF with every formal
project review meeting.
3 Further guidance to applicants
6The following aspects are expected to be addressed in proposals:
3.1 Demonstration of B1 status (or equivalent)
The Call addresses Phases B2 to C defined in the ECSS standard space project development plan. The Call
is therefore assuming that by the start of the grant, all B1 activities (or equivalent) have completed and
produced associated deliverables demonstrating the system/technology maturity level (e.g., SRD) and
that these deliverables will be available at KO.
Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate that:
The team behind the proposal is/has been working on (the equivalent of) a Phase B1 of an
orbital demonstration mission targeting “On orbit servicing, assembly, manufacturing” and
enabling “New systems concepts’ with a target budget ranging in the 50-100 M€.
Running/past phase B1 (or equivalent) will be completed by the KO
Therefore, it is considered condition necessary to start the work that key documentation (e.g., SRD) will
be available at KO.
3.2 Demonstration of the potential to the market
Successful proposals are expected to provide a convincing argumentation on how the demonstrator
represents a risk-taking, disruptive approach to enable new commercial opportunities in space in the
shortest timeframe.
As such, it is assumed that at the start of the work the following areas have been already addressed and
defined in the successful proposals:
Global market & trend analysis: business cases that will be enabled by the demonstrator and the
new market opportunities that will be generated in the space sector in Europe
Transition into the new paradigm: The Proposal shall include a dedicated chapter to explain how the
demonstrator will facilitate the smooth transition between the short-term market need and future
commercial possibilities through the generation of new modular and reconfigurable, intelligent satellites
that are capable to receive functional upgrades (plug & play concept) or can be assembled in orbit, offer
re-configurability characteristics to enhance flexibility to multi-mission objectives as well as increase
efficiency and safety (cost and risk reduction) for the on-orbit service.
As mentioned earlier, the demonstrator is expected to be unique and pioneering, not duplicating but
complementing other initiatives and mission concepts/services applications in Europe, with a strong
focus on modularity. Furthermore, it expected that the demonstrator enables a combination of some of
the following Market & Business cases:
Inspection/surveillance
Life extension
Satellite Upgrade/repair
End of life removal (Deorbiting)
7 Refueling
On-Orbit Assembly
On-Orbit Manufacturing
On-Orbit Recycling/Re-use
Change Orbit/Space Logistics
3.3 Demonstration of modularity
Modularity is key to future flexible space systems. The designed satellite platform should be compatible
with a functional upgrade later in Phase D (before final phase D testing) enabled by functional satellite
modules (Orbital Replaceable Units to deliver new/enhanced functionality), developed outside this topic
and able to be connected to the platform using a pre-existing standard interface10 (plug-and-play
concept).
The proposal addressing this call shall foresee appropriate interfaces with the functional satellite
modules, be compatible and build upon the design principles pertaining a “European construction kit for
satellite”, as outlined in call HORIZON-CL4-2021-SPACE-01-12: Future space ecosystems: on-orbit
operations, new system concepts (Scope 1: R&I on new scalable satellite platform concepts and building
blocks increasing the degree of satellite modularization). Interfaces with awarded projects from the
latter call must also be foreseen.
3.4 Demonstration of re-use of building blocks (SRC products and/or equivalent)
Re-use of common components is at the base to affordable and sustainable space systems. The H2020
Strategic Research Cluster in Space Robotics Technologies has produced a number of tools and building
blocks aimed at fostering re-usability in the construction of space robotics systems. These are illustrated
on the PERASPERA web site11.
Successful proposals are expected to present re-use of SRC products and/or developments as part of the
proposed mission elements where possible. For any building block used, the applicants shall provide
evidence that the proposed re-used products/systems have achieved the necessary TRL at start of Phase
B2.
Previous developments of the SRC (building blocks):
Robotics Operative System (ESROCOS)
Autonomy Framework (ERGO)
Data Fusion Framework (INFUSE)
Sensor Suite (I3DS)
System Interconnect (SIROM, HOTDOCK)
Previous application projects of the SRC (EROSS, PULSAR & MOSAR)
10 Multi-functional interface for OOS applications providing at least transfer of mechanical loads, power and data,
(e.g. HOTDOCK, iSSI or SIROM)
11 https://www.h2020-peraspera.eu
83.5 Demonstration of Robotics and Autonomy
Robotics and (logical) autonomy (possibly by means of AI) are a necessary to enable the future flexible
and intelligent space systems. Successful proposals are expected to present a demonstrator making use
of robotics and autonomy.
3.6 Plan for critical technologies to increase to TRL 6
Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the technologies
required for the proposed mission and system design, their availability and their usability.
For any technology critical to the mission, it is expected that the proposal provides a plan to achieve
TRL6 at the end of the project.
3.7 Project Management
The project milestones shall mimic the ones according to ECSS‐M‐ST‐10C for phases B2 and C in terms of
reviews.
Additionally the project plan shall include progress meetings with presentations of work and
intermediate results at least with 4 months cadence (when not coinciding with reviews).
Proposals must include as deliverables periodic reports on the status of work every 3 months. A project
meeting will be organised to present the progress to the funding authority. The short progress report
should record the technical description and state of advancement of the work and results in the
reference period, provide an updated schedule and an action item list.
All documents must be delivered in draft format 10 working days ahead of the pertinent review and in
final format (integrating the amendments agreed in the review) 1 month after the review.
In general, the work is expected to adhere to the “Project planning and implementation” as defined by
the ECSS standard, in terms of project phasing. However, taking into account that the mission is a high-
impact but low-cost mission, the precise definition of the deliverables to be produced is ultimately up to
the consortia as deemed necessary and commensurate to the specific, business-enabling mission and
should be clearly described in the proposals. This includes necessary deliverables related to launch and
operations of the mission as well as administrative arrangements with relevant authorities.
9Annex
A. High-Level Roadmap for Future Space Ecosystem
B. List of acronyms
Acronym Comment
CDR Critical Design Review
ECSS European Cooperation for Space Standardization
ORU Orbital Replacement Unit
OSAM On-Orbit Servicing/Assembly/Manufacturing
OOS On-Orbit Servicing
PDR Preliminary Design Review
SRC Strategic Research Cluster
SRD System Requirements Document
SRIA Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda
TRL Technology Readiness Level
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