ESA Discovery: Idea to proposal process

ESA Discovery runs high-risk and blue-sky R&D that might lead to potentially game-changing concepts and technologies. It sources ideas for new activities from industry, academia and the general public through (OSIP). Campaigns for specific ideas and more open Channels are regularly launched, and ideas submitted under these are reviewed.

We are looking for revolutionary ideas that could change dramatically the European space landscape. Do you think you have such an idea? Check the Open Channel and submit your idea. At this point you don’t need a full proposal, but a novel concept with the potential of becoming the next big technological development in space.

We take a chance on high risk, revolutionary ideas and support the project teams throughout all the phases of the project, financially, with access to ESA experts and matching them with other actors in our extensive community. Depending on the results, there is the possibility of continuing and maturing the idea through other ESA programmes as well.