Basic Activities’ Discovery element consist of two parts:
1. Discovery - Studies: Small and fast feasibility studies for new concepts, methods or systems, typically with limited or no hardware involved.
- maximum duration: 12 months
- budget: €20 000 - €100 000
- subsequent proposal phase: restricted competition (proposal template will be provided for completion on OSIP)
2. Discovery - Early technology developments: Projects that realise a proof of concept and/or a demonstrator for a technology. Early technology developments include hardware in the loop and and should be based on and include identified industrial or market interest.
- maximum duration: 18 month
- budget: €50 000 - €175 000
- project split into two phases: proof of concept and demonstration with an ESA decision point in-between
- proposal phase: restricted competition (proposal template will be provided for completion on OSIP)
These first two implementation paths are part of ESA's Discovery element, where activities typically start with exploratory studies and low technology readiness level (TRL) activities (www.esa.int/discovery). Activities guided into these implementation path are typically relatively small, fast, exploratory up to proof of concept and allow taking higher risks. Being funded under ESA's Basic Activities, ideas retained to be implemented within the Discovery element do not require co-funding, are open to entities from all ESA Member and Associated Member States and don't require national support letters.
Your application must be submitted through OSIP (Open Space Innovation Platform) where you can always find open opportunities from ESA.
ESA's Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) enables the submission of novel ideas for space technology and applications. Anybody is welcome to submit ideas through OSIP. The platform supports individuals who wish to contribute to European space research and interact with space industry experts. It also encourages ideas from legal entities interested in interacting with ESA and gaining funding or support for new research activities.