Open Discovery Ideas Channel

ESA is looking for the next groundbreaking idea to revolutionise space research and technology. If you have a new concept that could potentially change the European space landscape, join the new Open Discovery Ideas Channel and share it with us. If selected, you will benefit from ESA funding and unique access to the Agency’s experts, facilities and its dynamic research and development network.

ESA Discovery activities focus on innovative and disruptive ideas and lay the groundwork for ESA’s future endeavours. They cover diverse topics from all of ESA Strategy 2024 goals . The Discovery element encourages in particular high risk – high reward concepts in their earliest phases of development (up to TRL 4), with the potential to change dramatically the space sector, rather than seeking incremental developments. 

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.

Authors of the most novel ideas are invited to submit full proposals for funding. Each activity lasts up to two years and the results serve as baseline designs for future ESA missions across all ESA directorates.

The insights from ESA Discovery activities are used by ESA and its Member States to decide about the implementation of new programmes and shaping the future of the European space sector.