ESA Discovery Implementation Schemes

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.

Each year ESA Discovery funds a large number of activities related to all areas of space research and spaceflight. Three types of activities are possible:

• Co-sponsored research activities: Experience has shown that very innovative ideas are often generated by universities. Activities under this heading last between six months and three years, with budgets typically of 20–90 k€. Co-sponsored research activities include the co-sponsorship of PhDs.
• Studies: Either as a precursor for technology development or to assess the feasibility of systems for space, with budgets of typically 20–100 k€ per study. Studies emphasise the novelty of the concept.
• Early technology projects: The emphasis is on novel, low Technology Readiness Level activities of potential interest to space applications. This includes activities, as done in the past through the ITI scheme, covering: risk reduction, proofs of concept, and technology developments up to prototype level with potential customer interests. Early technology development activities have budgets between 50 and 175 k€.