Open call: Does your organisation work in the space industry? Do you want to fly your experiment to space? The European Commission is looking for innovative IOD/IOV experiments!

To ensure European Union’s (EU) non-dependence and competitiveness in space technologies, the EU is proposing an in orbit demonstration / validation (IOD/IOV) service to the European space industry. The European Innovation Council and European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space are cooperating closely to foster and grow a competitive and innovative EU space industry and offer a fast track access to the Union’s IOD/IOV Services to the EIC beneficiaries.

In 2024, there will be two cut-off dates for proposals:

 submit your applications before 15th March 2024 and 2nd September 2024

To ensure EU non-dependence and competitiveness in technologies, there is a need for regular IOD/IOV service in the EU. In particular in support to  EU SMEs and start-ups in reaching technological maturation of their space experiments and de-risking space technology innovations through IOD/IOV. Although flight opportunities do exist, these are often difficult to access for EU SMEs’ and start-ups at affordable cost and/or in the required timeframe.

For this purpose, a set IOD/IOV activities have been proposed by European Commission DG Defis & Space open call to all EIC projects willing to fly their experiments in space, as part of the current Horizon Europe programme. IOD/IOV experiments are defined as innovative technologies, products, concepts, architectures, and operations techniques that require in orbit demonstration/validation.

Important: Companies that have been selected by EIC to receive funding or a seal of excellence will have the possibility to have fast track access to the Union’s IOD/IOV services.

Applications are open for:

- IOD/IOV Experiments that have reached maturity TRL5/6 will be considered to proceed as IOD/IOV experiments with a view to reach TRL 7(system prototype demonstration in space environment)

Application details

• Deadline: The Call for Expression of Interest is open until Monday 15 March 2024, 18:00 (CET) and 2nd of September 2024, 18:00 (CET).Please read the full text of the relevant Call of Expression of Interest before applying.
• Submission & More information: You can find all the details and the documentation to submit your expression of interest for both IOD/IOV Experiments and Ready to Fly IOD/IOV satellites on this page.