In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) will enhance the performance, resilience and sustainability of space assets. They include including satellite servicing, assembly, manufacturing, recycling and logistics in space. The Commission recognises the strategic importance of ISOS, in particular with regard to commercialisation and protection of the infrastructure in space and the space environment.
ISOS will contribute to the fostering of a new in-space economy, as well as to the protection of space assets, safeguarding the EU’s freedom to act in space.
Act in Space is a key strategic capacity for the EU as a space power, that needs to be rapidly developed. The EU is aligning objectives and begins with the implementation of a pioneering pilot mission, including technology and service demonstration. As global competition intensifies, it is imperative to maintain Europe’s capabilities on par with competitors.
This mission will be a concrete step towards an inclusive and dynamic Future Space Ecosystem and pave the way towards the development of service provision to the European infrastructure
Game-changing innovations and enabling technologies
The paradigm shift towards adaptable space systems hinges on advancements in enabling technologies, such as
- Robotics and automation: Autonomous robots will perform complex tasks, minimising human intervention.
- Digitalisation & AI: AI will play a crucial role in decision-making, anomaly detection, and mission planning. Advanced data management and analytics will be crucial for optimising operations and decision-making.
- Electric propulsion: Efficient electric propulsion systems will enable precise manoeuvring and in-orbit logistics.
This transformation extends beyond core technologies; it also needs new concepts and processes to thrive:
- New industrial processes: Embracing "Design-to-X" principles (manufacture, service, recycle, customise, value) will optimise the entire space product lifecycle.
- Modular spacecraft design, open-architecture and construction kit concepts: Standardised interfaces and components will facilitate flexible and cost-effective spacecraft assembly, and enable adaptive, reconfigurable assets in space, fostering a circular economy by facilitating reuse and repurposing.
- Circular economy principles: Reusing and recycling components in space will minimise waste and environmental impact.
Enabling technologies will change how space assets are designed, produced, tested, transported, and operated. AppStore-like approaches enabling the injection of standardised plug-and-play functionality will benefit the future space ecosystem and foster a circular economy.
Synergies between the civil and defence sector
Autonomous, robotic, real-time and onboard decision-making ISOS technologies illustrate their potential for governmental purposes. Leveraging in-space servicing, assembly, manufacturing, and transport technologies, ISOS fosters the reliability, safety, security, sustainability, and flexibility of space missions.
Promoting rules and standardisation for an ISOS market
Appropriate regulation and standardisation are crucial for the growth of global ISOS, addressing aspects such as liability, licenses, and insurance. The Commission works towards a comprehensive regulatory framework that provides the foundation for a new space ecosystem, stimulating market growth and fostering cooperation between market players. Standardisation will ensure the interoperability of developed products and services.
Investing in EU research and development
Already under Horizon 2020, the Commission launched two Strategic Research Clusters:
- Space Robotics Technologies: with the coordination and support of the PERASPERA project, the EU funded the development of capabilities and technological building blocks that will enable applications and services in orbit and system concepts.
- Electric Propulsion: with the coordination and support of the EPIC project, the EU funded electric propulsion, a key technology to sustainably and efficiently manoeuvre in orbit.
With the support of these two Strategic Research Clusters, the European Commission has paved the way for the ISOS and the EU's Future Space Ecosystem. It will continue developing and taking shape through dedicated actions in the framework of Horizon Europe work programmes over 2021-2027 and beyond. Calls will target topics such as servicing, assembly and manufacturing and other in-space services (e.g. logistics, warehousing and disassembly/reuse/recycling), new system concepts, functional building blocks, tools required for design, and new approaches for production and testing.
Introducing EU-funded space R&I projects
EROSS IODServicing component and seeks to enable the repair of satellites in orbit through autonomous robots, covering tasks like rendezvous, refuelling, and component replacement to extend satellite lifespans.
STARFABAutomated orbital warehouse unit that will enable the handling of goods in space, supporting sustainable on-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (OSAM) business models.
EU-RISEAnalysing the market for in-space services to develop and refine European capabilities in space robotics, thereby establishing a significant OSAM capacity in Europe.
SPACE USBEmbarks on standardisation and aims to develop a flexible, universal interface akin to USB for on-orbit servicing and assembly, focusing on compactness, docking symmetry, and interoperability with existing space connectors.
By embracing ISOS and investing in enabling technologies, the European Union can position itself as a global leader in the future space economy. This strategic approach will ensure the sustainability, security, and competitiveness of the EU space ecosystem now and in the future.
