GSTP at CM25: Fast-Tracking Innovation for Europe’s Future
GSTP evolves to meet the sector’s changing needs, accelerating tech development, boosting industrial growth, and reinforcing European autonomy.
CM25 will support the programme to sharpen its focus on speed, agility, and impact, with targeted themes like AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable space, and a proposed €1150M subscription to power the next leap forward.
CM25 aims to:
- Strengthen Europe’s space sector to ensure it continues delivering value to European citizens.
- Establish a clear roadmap to secure Europe’s independent access to space, enhance competitiveness, and boost adaptability through advanced space technologies.
GSTP aims to:
- Develop and demonstrate leading-edge space technologies that enable missions, support industrial competitiveness, and improve European non-dependence.
- Address shifting societal and geopolitical context.
- Serve the technology development needs of Participating States and industry.
1
E1 ‘Develop’ (647M€)
Compendia Activities
A list of priority tech developments aimed at accelerating progress to higher TRLs. These activities inspire tailored, industry-driven initiatives and cover:
Generic Technology Domains
- GNC, AOCS & Pointing
- Avionics
- RF & Power Systems
- EMC & Space Environment
- Optics & Optoelectronics
- Robotics & Life Sciences
- Structures, Mechanisms & Materials
- Thermal Systems
- End-to-End Systems
- Future Engineering
- Ground SegmentT
Targeted Technology Themes
- Artificial Intelligence: Enabling autonomy in mission design, engineering & operations.
- Quantum Technologies: Advancing computing, sensing, cryptography & imaging.
- Innovative Propulsion: Greener, high-performance, and logistics-enabling propulsion.
- Sustainable Space: Eco-design, debris mitigation/removal, and circular economy.
Specific Strategic Areas
- Cybersecurity: Securing future space systems with quantum-resistant solutions.
- VLEO: Developing compact, efficient systems for very low Earth orbit missions.
- Serialisation: Standardising subsystems to boost agility and innovation.
2
E2 ‘Make’ (139M€)
CM25 proposes a harmonised, faster, and more agile approach:
Key Enhancements
- Harmonised Procedures: Common templates and co-funding rules across ESA programmes to simplify processes for industry and delegations.
- Agile Tools: Introduction of Cooperative Agreements, a lighter, partnership-based contracting model that speeds up time-to-contract.
- Streamlined Support: Expanded backing for production process improvements and industrialisation, helping industry meet ESA and commercial demands.
- Targeted Calls: Continued use of thematic frameworks (e.g. Quantum, Advanced Manufacturing) to focus efforts and build capabilities.
These changes aim to reduce administrative burden, accelerate development cycles, and foster competitiveness across ESA and Member States.
3
E3 ‘Fly’(74M€)
Participating States are calling for larger and more ambitious In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) missions to showcase Europe’s industrial and technological capabilities.
Strategic Objectives
- Demonstrate Innovation: Validate cutting-edge technologies in real space environments.
- Build Competitiveness: Strengthen Europe’s position in global markets through flight heritage.
- Enable Capacity Building: Support industrial growth and readiness for future missions.
GSTP proposes to evolve Element 3 by:
- Focusing on technology and capability demonstration, not just scientific outcomes.
- Supporting risk-tolerant missions that prepare technologies for operational use in ESA, national, or commercial programmes.
- Enhancing coordination with ESA application directorates to ensure relevance and integration.
- Offering flight-ticket opportunities for technologies developed under GSTP Elements 1 & 2 and other ESA programmes.
Element 3 will serve as a strategic enabler for Europe’s space ambitions, bridging innovation with in-orbit validation.
CM25 Critical Components
EEE Space Component Sovereignty for Europe (130M€)
Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) components are the backbone of every space mission. Yet, most are sourced from outside Europe, posing risks to supply chains, autonomy, and competitiveness.
ESA’s EEE Component ensures long-term, uninterrupted access to strategic, state-of-the-art EEE technologies for European space programmes.
Key Technology Areas
- Microelectronics (UDSM)
- Wide Band Gap Materials (GaN, SiC)
- Photonics Components
- Packaging, PCB & Electronic Assembly
- Passive Components
- Dedicated Components (DC/DC converters, PoL, memories, ADC/DAC)
- Testing Facilities
This structured approach supports a stable and predictable development pipeline, reinforcing Europe’s sovereignty in space hardware and reducing dependency on non-European suppliers.
Resilience & Security Component (160M€)
Europe’s space infrastructure must be secure, autonomous, and resilient in the face of evolving threats and geopolitical uncertainty. ESA is enhancing capabilities in secure telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, and crisis response through targeted technology development.
Key Focus Areas
- Non-EEE Critical Technologies
- Advanced Cybersecurity Building Blocks
- Resilience & Security Technologies identified by Participating States
Classified Technology Clusters
To support Member States’ strategic priorities, ESA introduces Classified Technology Clusters, collaborative frameworks for developing sensitive technologies up to TRL 7.
Cluster Highlights:
- Driven by Participating States: Focused on national or multinational priorities, with full control over developed assets and information.
- Flexible Formation: Clusters can be formed by one or more States, aligned with ERS guidelines.
- Dedicated Funding: Up to 100% of a State’s uncommitted subscription to this component can be allocated to Cluster activities.
- Secure & Controlled: Classified information remains within the Cluster; IP rights vested in industry with licenses for Cluster use.
- Ownership & Sovereignty: Participating States retain full ownership and control of tangible and intangible outcomes.
ACCELERATE: Fast-Tracking ESA-Driven Innovation
The ACCELERATE initiative boosts the impact of ESA-driven technology development by streamlining procurement and speeding up delivery, especially in high-potential areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and M-IND.
Key Features
- Batch Procurements: Periodic grouped calls covering 4–5 activities per theme (e.g., AI-on-the-edge, cybersecurity building blocks).
- Lighter Work Statements: Focused on objectives and interfaces, giving industry flexibility to propose the best technical approach.
- Parallel Development: Enables multiple technical paths to reduce risk and accelerate maturity.
- Integrated Projects: Activities are synchronised and reported as coherent R&D packages, improving coordination and impact.
This agile approach reduces time-to-contract, enhances schedule predictability, and encourages innovation, helping Europe stay ahead in strategic space technologies.