Open Strategic Autonomy in Developing, Deploying and Using Global Space-Based Infrastructure, Services, Applications and Data (Horizon Europe)

Destination 4: Open Strategic Autonomy in Developing, Deploying and Using Global Space-Based Infrastructure, Services, Applications and Data

This destination focuses on strengthening Europe’s space capabilities, recognising space as a key enabler for everyday services, economic growth, security and strategic autonomy. Today, EU citizens benefit from satellite television, highly accurate navigation services across all transport modes, advanced Earth observation for land, oceans, atmosphere and climate monitoring, global meteorological data and precise cartographic information. Space technologies also play a vital role in security, crisis management and emergency response. Core components of the EU Space Programme, such as Galileo, Copernicus and IRIS, are essential assets supporting EU policies on climate, environment, transport, agriculture and a secure society, while the space sector itself remains a significant source of innovation, growth and high-quality jobs.

The destination is structured around a set of interconnected building blocks that cover the full space value chain:

Accessing Space, including the development, construction and operation of launch systems and infrastructures to transport satellites, cargo and humans into space, with a strong focus on reusable and sustainable solutions.
Using Space on Earth, enabling secure communication, navigation and Earth observation services and applications, notably through the EU Space flagships Galileo, Copernicus and IRIS.
Monitoring Space, supporting the detection, tracking and prediction of spacecraft, near-Earth objects and space debris, as well as space weather phenomena, to ensure safe and sustainable space operations and effective space traffic management.
Acting in Space, advancing capabilities for in-orbit servicing, inspection, repair, refuelling, assembly, recycling, relocation and removal of space objects, including large platforms and structures.
Exploring Space, promoting high-profile exploration missions, excellent scientific research and the exploitation of space data to deepen knowledge of the Universe and celestial bodies for scientific and socio-economic benefit.
Boosting Space, strengthening the competitiveness of the European space sector by accelerating innovation, developing skills, reducing dependencies on critical technologies and fostering international cooperation.

Those building blocks are implemented through the following headings:

Accessing Space
Acting in Space
Using Space on Earth related to telecommunications
Using Space on Earth related to Earth Observation
Using Space on Earth related to satellite navigation
Space sciences and exploration
Monitoring Space
Boosting space through EU non-dependence for key critical space technologies
Boosting Space through innovative space technologies

Proposals are invited against the following topic(s):

Call: SPACE

HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-11: Reinforcing EU autonomous access to space through EU-based spaceports
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-12: Digital solutions for autonomy for space transportation systems, design and simulation tools - Digital enablers and building blocks (Space Partnership)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-21: ISOS4I Pilot Mission Integrated Ground Test and consolidation of space-compatible USI solutions
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-31: Digital enablers and building-blocks for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-32: Preparing demonstration missions for Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-33: Digital enablers and building blocks for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunications for Space solutions (Space Partnership)
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-34: Preparing demonstration missions for collaborative Earth Observation and Satellite telecommunication for Space solutions (Space Partnership)
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-61: Scientific analysis and exploitation of space data
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-81: Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence – Radiation Hard FPGA on 7nm
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-82: Space critical EEE components for EU non[1]dependence – GaN MMICs mm-Wave Foundations (Phase A): Development and Industrialization of Semi-insulating SiC Substrate Capabilities
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-85: Critical Facilities Serving Space EEE components for EU non-dependence – High and Very High Energy Irradiation Test Facility Market Deployment
HORIZON-CL4-2026-SPACE-03-86: Space critical Equipment for EU non-dependence – Space Refuelling Interface
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-83: Space critical EEE components for EU non-dependence
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-84: Space critical equipment for EU non-dependence
HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-71: Quantum Space Gravimetry topic