Several EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries operate high-end Space-based ISR (SBISR) systems, either as national assets or under specific transnational cooperation agreements. However, these systems have limitations in revisit time, persistency, reactivity, and data diversity. This funding call aims to develop an affordable constellation of small satellites, along with a ground segment, to handle various types of innovative sensor payloads, including optical, night vision, low-light infrared, hyperspectral, RADAR, passive RF detection, and video for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications.

The primary objectives of this initiative include:
1) Establishing a Federation Layer for shared military and civilian assets.
2) Developing a low-latency constellation comprising multi-sensor small satellites.
3) Enhancing access to existing national capabilities and those under development.

The scope of the project involves defining the constellation's architecture, integrating components (sensors, platforms, ground segments), demonstrating the Federation Layer’s functionality and security, and facilitating access to existing national ISR capabilities. The initiative also aims to provide high-performance, cost-effective solutions with modular and scalable architecture to support various governance models and cooperation frameworks.

The call supports activities such as feasibility studies, system design, prototyping, testing, and validation of satellite payloads and ground segments to ensure operational readiness. The ultimate goal is to establish a European Earth observation defense capability that meets high security and performance standards, supports multi-user federated access, and integrates with existing EU defense and space programs.

Opening: 18.02.2025
Deadline(s): 16.10.2025