Horizon Europe : Space (Services & Data coming from satellites (HORIZON-EUSPA-2026-SPACE))

Expected Outcome:

Projects’ results are expected to contribute to some or all of the following outcomes:

Foster the development and validation of integrated synergistic space technologies that support the operational work of crisis and security practitioners (e.g. law enforcement, customs, first/second responders, critical infrastructure operators, border or coast guards, civil protection authorities etc);

Improve, operationalize and mainstream EGNSS-based and possibly Earth observation-based services that enhance the resiliency and security (including cybersecurity) of the EU, reinforcing their acceptance, adoption and usage of the developed solution(s) among practitioners. Synergies with secure satellite communications can also be explored;

Improve the wide uptake and penetration of EU Space Programme data and services, and in particular EGNSS differentiators (OSNMA - Open Service Navigation Message Authentication, HAS - High Accuracy Service, RLS - Return Link Service, EWSS – Emergency Warning Satellite Service etc.), in the everyday operations and tasks of crisis and security practitioners, increasing their awareness and ability to operate efficiently and with safety;

Identify new, and analyse existing, capability gaps of security practitioners, that space technologies can bridge, demonstrating on the field innovative solutions based on EGNSS and possibly other EU Space Programme components such as Copernicus;

Create new space-based commercial opportunities for innovative businesses serving practitioner organisations.

Scope:

Proposals should be built on the exploitation of the distinguishing features of Galileo and EGNOS seeking to enhance the way practitioners prepare for and manage crises and security operations. Proposals should develop applications and technologies that focus on commercial exploitation in one of the following priority areas, which must be clearly indicated:

Development of EGNSS-based spoofing-proof downstream solutions to support the digital transformation of security practitioners in security-critical operations (e.g. Law Enforcement Agencies, Custom Authorities, Border and Coast Guards, etc) in various applications, including: environmental crimes management, prevention of smuggling and trafficking, counter-terrorism, border and maritime surveillance, migration management, fugitive search, public safety and fundamental rights, illegal poaching, customs operations and Electronic Freight Transport Information, dangerous goods transportation, usage of robots and/or automated Galileo-enabled platforms for surveillance, etc.;

Development of EGNSS-based downstream solutions to support the resiliency and functioning of critical infrastructures in EU (e.g. digital infrastructure, drinking water supply and distribution, water waste management, healthcare, e-government, etc.);

Development of EGNSS-based downstream solutions to support crisis management operations: drone-supported operations, improved and safer asset management systems, AR/VR for first responders, novel EGNSS smartphone-sized or wearable technologies, UneXploded Ordnance (UXO) risk assessment and clearance for humanitarian operations, etc.

Proposals are also expected to address cybersecurity threats in the description of the solution(s).

Proposals should, when relevant, integrate other data sources/services from other EU Space Programme components, in particular Copernicus and/or GOVSATCOM. Where appropriate, the beneficiaries are encouraged to interact with the relevant Entrusted Entities managing the Copernicus Emergency Management Service and/or the Copernicus Security Service.

The action focuses on the development of close to market EGNSS downstream applications through the realisation of large-scale demonstration and implementation projects, with the participation of relevant crisis and/or security practitioners.

Developed applications should have a clearly defined commercial potential and should respond to user needs. The solution(s) developed is/are expected to achieve TRL 7-9 by the end of the project.

Proposals should deliver new innovative applications, identifying and addressing existing gaps, leveraging the existing relevant sectorial regulations and policies and exploring how the solutions implemented using space data and services can address these regulations and be commercialised. Proposals should also highlight the expected impact and define a clear market uptake strategy, presenting a credible post-project pathway to operations. The developed solutions may integrate other non-space technologies like IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, drones, 5G, augmented/mixed reality etc.

For proposals under this topic:

A Business Plan should be provided as part of the proposal, to evidence the user requirements, the sustainability of the project, and opportunities for wide adoption in Europe according to standards and operational needs;

Participation of industry, in particular SMEs and midcaps, is encouraged;

Participation of, or outreach to, entities based in countries without a space tradition is encouraged;

Involvement of post-graduate researchers (engineers, scientists, and others) is also encouraged, for example through professional work experience or through fellowships/scholarships when applicable;

Proposals addressing Galileo PRS (Public Regulated Service) related applications are not in the scope of this action.

Proposals should seek to leverage and/or create synergies with relevant projects and activities funded under Horizon Europe Cluster 3: Civil security for society, reinforcing the cross-fertilization of research and innovation in this domain.

In this topic, the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort.