GSTP Element 2: Make

With GSTP’s Element 2: Make, industry is behind the ideas. Element 2 aims to support and co-fund the design, development and demonstration of activities based on industry proposals (for proposals driven by ESA see Element 1: Develop). 

By supporting these market-oriented activities, Element 2 encourages more ideas and partnerships and ultimately leads to the most innovative technologies for European space industry.

What makes an Element 2 activity? 

The proposals are industry driven and have to include a business case for why they are tactical for the economy. Element 2 activities may help develop completely new products, or continue to upgrade or improve on an existing product or activity. they are oriented to commercial opportunities and can be in all areas of satellite applications except satellite telecommunication.

These industry-driven activities aim to:

• Near-term:  strengthen current worldwide competitiveness in existing markets
• Medium-term:  establish strategic capabilities that will result in stronger competitiveness
• Long-term: develop products in response to gaps in the supply chain and initiate or strengthen technology transfer.

Co-funding means the funding is shared by industry and ESA. More can be found on the OSIP page.

While a product can begin the process from TRL 6/7, i.e. Qualification Model (QM), software release or in orbit demonstration, for most activities, the outcome will eventually be a product that is ready for exploitation. 

Segments

Since 2019, the way Element 2 is run, has changed.

Now, three clear segments mean the Element can cater to the needs of companies of all sizes and backgrounds and actively encourage start-ups and actors from non-space backgrounds and other newcomers into the space arena.

Element 2 is divided into three segments. Each segment has the same proposal process, with tailored templates. The contracts and conditions for tender remain the same but expected business requirements are the only difference.

There may be different entry points depending on the maturity level of the activity.

The new process uses documentation that is much simpler and more aligned with other ESA industry driven initiatives. Long-established companies, mature technology developments or those with a lot of experience working with ESA and this process will often be able to enter the process at the point of a full proposal, if a National Delegation agrees. 

Segment 1: Market-oriented opportunities

For market oriented activities. Entities shall present the nominal business case.

Segment 1 activities aim to develop a new product or improve existing products in a specific market. Normally, the companies submitting a proposal under Segment 1 already have a background in commercialising technologies for space, so the specific opportunities for the business are clear and customers are clearly identified and prospects for commercialisation are clearly substantiated. Developments under this segment nominally target a final product, ready for commercialisation.

Segment 2: Strategic opportunities

Access to new comers or companies that wish to leverage from terrestrial commercial developments and enter the space market.

For Segment 2 activities the technology being developed should help access a new market or application but it may not have an urgent commercial impact. 

In addition, this segment could support developments that will help to address obsolescence issues in the supply chain, apply new manufacturing techniques or develop an alternative (possibly internal) capability.

Segment 3: Implementation of National Priorities

Activities under Segment 3 address specific commercial priorities of the Member States participating in GSTP Element 2. Each country has different national space considerations and Element 2, Segment 3 activities can help to maintain and develop these, such as developing specific capabilities for national or international space opportunities (outside of ESA). Proposals submitted under this segment require agreement and a letter of support from a national delegation stating the business case.