Scientific Instrumentation Scientific instrumentation is understood in this context as mission payloads that perform scientific tasks. Proposals may cover different stages of development of scientific instrumentation from concepts, to breadboarding and prototype demonstration. Proposals are particularly welcome that develop novel and advanced technologies, such as new sensors and other sub-systems that may be used in scientific instrumentation. Projects supported through this call should address planned and future European scientific and exploration missions, as well as collaboration in the context of third country missions as a European contribution to global efforts.The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 1.5 and 3 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts. Support the development of scientific instrumentation for science and exploration missions (including planetary exploration missions) enabling increased cooperation between scientists, engineering teams, industry and SMEs across Europe. The integration of scientific teams with engineering and industrial teams will stimulate new and improved instrumentation designs and lead to potential opportunities for spin-in/spin-out effects between space and non-space technology fields. This research topic should attract also active participation of researchers in academia and SMEs.
