We are striving to open the space innovation pipeline. These are the innovation areas that we focus on.
Connectivity and Secure Communications
Satellite communications is the economic engine of the space industry, accounting for two thirds of overall space industry revenue. ESA keeps European and Canadian industry at the leading edge of this fiercely competitive global market by nurturing innovation.
Earth Observation
The ability to fly satellites into space has changed all our lives in many ways, but the single greatest innovation has been the availability of new ways of seeing the world that satellites leave behind.
Space Transportation
Our lives in the 21st century are reliant on space-enabled technologies. For Europe to provide its citizens with services ranging from navigation and communication to transport and security, we must be able to access space reliably, efficiently and independently of foreign entities. We all depend on space infrastructure, and our satellites and spacecraft in turn depend on launch services. ESA with its Member States must maintain and advance skills in these cutting-edge technologies and services to fulfil our space ambitions and advance Europe’s position as a leading space power.
Discovery
A diversity of topics is investigated via Discovery undertakings together with our industrial and academic partners, running across the entire spectrum of the ESA's activities. The spectrum of activities covers all from "blue sky" research, to studies to early technology developments.
Space Technology Transfer
Space Technologies respond to very specific needs. However, once created, they may serve different purposes.
Operations Innovations
Operations Innovations has been identified as a strategic innovation area within ESA, aiming at enabling Industry, fostering European cooperation and applying innovation
External innovation
This innovation area is hosting campaigns and channels not conducted directly by ESA. With external OSIP Campaigns and Channels, ESA provides the possibility for its partners to be hosted on ESA's Open Space Innovation Platform and find new innovative solutions.
Preparation
The Preparation element prepares and enables future mission and programmes through pre-phase A (including CDF studies) and phase-A studies and dedicated system analyses of payload or underpinning processes to establish robust trade-offs for mission designs
General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)
In the frame of the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), the European space industry develops leading edge space technologies that enable missions to discover the Universe, understand our environment, navigate, educate and save lives.
Human and Robotic Exploration
ESA’s Terrae Novae exploration programme is leading Europe’s human journey into the Solar System using robots as precursors and scouts. Exploring space is about travelling farther and coming back with new experiences and knowledge to help us on Earth. Humankind will benefit from the new discoveries, ambitions, science, inspiration and challenges.
Innovate@ESA
OSIP for ESA internal Campaigns and Channels
Commercialisation and Industrialisation
Ignite innovation and unlock new markets by strengthening industrial capacity to boost European growth and competitiveness in the booming global space economy.
Positioning, Navigation & Timing
Since the beginning of time, human beings have looked to the sky to determine their whereabouts. Traditionally, the Sun and the pattern of fixed stars have been their guides. But in the second millennium, constellations of man-made satellites have taken over as beacons to guide the way.
Corporate organisation, policies and strategy
New technology, innovation and methods are impacting how ESA functions. Campaigns and Channels in this Innovation Area are advancing ESA's internal organisation, its policies and strategy.
Space Science
Science is the underpinning theme of ESA. It drives innovation and leads to progress and economic development. It inspires future generations of scientists and engineers, and it drives global information exchange and communication.