Brazed SiC mirror in the thermal vacuum chamber

Most of the Programme activities are performed under the three elements depicted in the image below.

Element 1 “Develop”: Technology developments for future missions, ground applications and tools.
The activities performed under Element 1 are dedicated to the development of technologies, building blocks, components and test beds for projects and the economic operators, i.e. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Large enterprises, industry, satellite operators, satellite providers, universities and research organisations from low TRL to qualification and covering the following themes:

• Earth Observation;
• Science;
• Robotic Exploration Preparation;
• Human Spaceflight and Exploration Preparation;
• Space Transportation and Re-entry Technologies;
• Navigation;
• Security for the citizens including Space Situational Awareness;
• Generic Technologies and Techniques, including cross-cutting technologies such as Clean Space (in particular CleanSat), Advanced Manufacturing, Design to Produce and Space Technologies for Energy;
• Preparatory activities for the e.Deorbit mission and technology developments in the relevant fields;
• Technology transfer.

Overview of the 3 GSTP Elements

Element 2 “Make”: Development of technology and products for commercial sustainability
The activities performed under Element 2 and co-funded with industry, aim at:

• strengthening worldwide competitiveness in new and existing markets;
• developing products in response to gaps in the supply chain e.g. by environmental regulations, migration to new technology and other causes.

State-of-the-art micro-bolometer 17μm pixel-pitch

Element 3 “Fly”: In-orbit demonstration of new technologies, preparation of future missions, small missions
The activities performed under Element 3 aim at

• implementing in orbit demonstration of technologies either as products in need of acquiring flight heritage, hosted payload or complete space missions (small spacecraft, cubesats etc.);
• conducting investigations and studies to prepare for future missions in particular breakthrough and new generation types of missions; and
• conducting ad hoc small missions.

Unless activities are specifically assigned to a dedicated component below, they will be implemented under the Element 3.