ESA Grand Challenge: a Space 4.0 initiative

This new initiative aims to support cost-effective R&D, foster innovation and encourage entrepreneurship in space research and technology, and space applications.

Share your ideas for challenges and help set the agenda of Space 4.0.

Inspire the future and design innovative solutions

ESA Grand Challenge seeks to trigger the scientific community and industry into coming up with unorthodox or disruptive solutions to some of society’s current and foreseen problems, be they technical, scientific or societal.

The initiative has multiple objectives, from demonstrating the feasibility of certain technologies to proving the value of research and innovation. Spin-off businesses will be an important benefit together with the discovery of new talent.

Interact with non-space partners

In partnership with a sponsor, ESA will define a problem to be solved, set out the rules of the contest and decide on the reward. A board of experts from ESA and the sponsor will judge submissions and identify the best proposal(s).

Depending on the contest, the winners could receive a financial reward or credible commitments by future buyers to purchase a given quantity of the winning product. In this case, the prize can be used as a pre-commercial procurement tool.

Inform the community

Stay informed of the latest developments by following us on Twitter @ESASpaceEconomy

Send us your ideas

ESA is currently gathering ideas for suitable Grand Challenge areas and themes. Potential domains for competitions include:

• Asteroid/Moon mining in-situ resource utilisation
• Space for physically challenged people
• Cyber security
• Mobility (autonomous vehicles, drones)
• The UN sustainable development goals

If you have suggestions for a grand challenge, the team are eager to hear from you. Please email: grand.challenge@esa.int or luca.del.monte@esa.int