ISOS4I Pilot Mission Integrated Ground Test and consolidation of space-compatible USI solutions

To tackle the above expected outcomes, the following R&I actions should be addressed in the shortest possible timeframe taking into account the provided technical annex[[ ISOS Pilot Mission Guidance Document]]:

• Supporting the ISOS Pilot mission detailed mission and system design, demonstrating in an integrated ground test (TRL6) the interoperability of the developed mission components ground prototypes (i.e. Servicing, HOST, Logistic and satAPPs) with all applicable servicing interfaces and the baseline demonstration scenarios as defined in the technical annex;
• Final maturation, verification and qualification (TRL7) of the consolidated USI solution(s) recommended by the ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination and Support Action, considering opportunities for IOD/V;
• Development of a ISOS4I promotion video and VR experience for dissemination purposes, showcasing the pilot mission concept with its baseline demonstration scenario and the evolution towards an in-space service infrastructure leading to manifold business opportunities as part of a wider in-space economy.

Proposals are expected to promote cooperation between different actors (industry, SMEs and research institutions) and consider opportunities to quickly turn technological innovation into commercial use.

Proposals should clearly describe how previous and/or ongoing R&I of the mission components and any required additional technologies for the proposed ground test will be integrated and involve entities part of the key technology and service provider group, as necessary. Moreover, proposals should clearly identify the test facility/ies to be used for the ground demonstrator. Finally, proposals should build on the outcome of the CSA activities on (1) “Proposal for an as much as possible integrated ground demonstrator bringing together the different mission components at the end of their detailed design phase” and (2) “Proposal for USIs consolidation, i.e. selection of a single USI European solution or approach allowing compatibility with multiple solutions (required for the HC)”.

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6-7 by the end of the project. The reference TRL definition is the ISO 16290:2013 applicable to the space sector.

Proposals are expected to consider and contribute to a balanced provision of Member States’ and eligible Associated Countries’ expertise and capabilities to the overall ISOS pilot mission, to support a successful introduction of the strategic capacity ‘Act in Space’.

The project selected from this topic will be a Linked Action and is expected to closely collaborate with those selected under topics HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21, 22, 23, 24 and ISOS Pilot Mission Coordination and Support Action, in order to ensure interoperability and the necessary and sufficient documentation and information sharing for the implementation of the Pilot Mission, to make economies of scale in sharing best practices, defining common processes for addressing the different challenges, ensuring efficient monitoring and review, organising dissemination and communication activities, etc.

In this topic, the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort.