Do you need to test your new satellite technology in space? ESA and the EU are ready to help with flight ticket opportunities
The European Commission and the European Space Agency are jointly offering flight ticket opportunities for European companies or organisations to co-fund the launch services to test your new satellite technologies in space.
This Flight Ticket Initiative is designed to give promising technology and service concepts the in-orbit testing needed to reach commercial maturity. Under this scheme, ESA and the EU will co-fund upcoming flights of European launch vehicles for small satellites in a “ready-to-fly” condition.
As a first step, the EU and ESA have now issued a call for Expressions of Interest, open until 15 March 2026. The first of several application cut-off dates will close on 31 May 2023 at 1800 CET and will be followed by a separate procurement process in open competition.
At ESA, the Flight Ticket Initiative is administered under its Boost! programme. Through Boost!, ESA selects and co-funds the development and demonstration of innovative European space transportation services.