The European Space Agency (ESA) is inviting European companies to innovate commercial space cargo solutions.
The ESA has announced an exciting opportunity for European companies to submit proposals for space cargo transportation services to and from the International Space Station (ISS) and future commercial low Earth orbit outposts.
This initiative is part of ESA’s Terrae Novae strategy for human and robotic exploration, aimed at expanding Europe’s human exploration capabilities.
As the International Space Station approaches its retirement, ESA envisions a future where space agencies act as customers rather than owners of space infrastructure.
In line with this vision, ESA is inviting the European industry to provide service-based offers for space cargo in support of the ISS and upcoming low Earth-orbit destinations.
Frank De Winne, ESA’s International Space Station Manager, explained: “ESA and its Member States are preparing for when the International Space Station has retired: an environment where space agencies are customers rather than owners of space infrastructure.
“In this context, ESA is giving opportunities to European industry to provide a service-based offer for cargo services in support of the International Space Station and future low Earth-orbit destinations.”
Space cargo criteria
ESA has already introduced a commercial approach on the International Space Station, with experiments running inside and soon outside Europe’s Space Station Columbus module.
Additionally, ESA’s plan to build a constellation of communication and navigation satellites around the Moon, called Moonlight, further paves the way for commercial services in space.
Under this call for proposals, companies are expected to develop solutions to send a minimum of two tonnes of pressurised cargo to the ISS on a demonstration mission by the end of 2028.
Furthermore, they should be capable of returning to Earth with at least one tonne of cargo. The return of cargo to Earth is crucial for scientific research, as it enables the retrieval of samples for analysis and study.
Frank De Winne added: “By launching this call, we are providing the supporting scheme, whereby private companies receive support from ESA to develop services to the ISS and future commercial destinations orbiting Earth.”
It is important to note that companies will retain full project authority and responsibility. ESA’s support will only cover a fraction of the funding required to complete the development of the space cargo delivery system and launch the demonstration flight.
How to submit proposals
Selected companies and ESA will jointly agree on milestones, incorporating a mix of technical and financial objectives. This collaborative effort aims to propel Europe’s space industry into a new era of commercial space exploration and establish a sustainable presence in low Earth orbit.
European companies eager to participate in shaping the future of space transportation are encouraged to submit their proposals before the deadline by following this link. A webinar will also be held on 15 June at 09:00 GMT to answer questions.
ESA’s call for commercial space cargo transportation services to the ISS marks a significant step forward in advancing Europe’s human and robotic exploration capabilities while fostering a thriving commercial space sector.
