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Space-based SST (mission, system and sensors network) Horizon Europe TOP3

Project description

Advancing the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking mission, system and sensors network

EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) is focused on the detection, surveillance, tracking, cataloguing and risk assessment of artificial objects in Earth's orbit. The main goal is to protect space infrastructure and services. In this context, the EU-funded HE23-24 TOP3 project will continue to improve its space-based SST mission, system and sensors network to accommodate an ever-growing orbital population. It focuses on the challenge of monitoring small-scale space debris by developing space-based sensors, systems and data processing for surveillance, tracking, collision avoidance and re-entry analysis. As such, it explores technical solutions, including a fleet of small satellites, to develop Europe’s own space-based space surveillance missions, thus alleviating reliance on external sources.

Objective

Space-based SST (mission, system and sensors network)

The HE23-24 TOP3 project builds upon the results obtained in the previous SST grants and the current HE_EUSST_MS_TOP3. In this context, as a response to the increase of the orbital population and with the need of observing smaller objects to better protect the EU space assets and therefore, the need and added-value of developing Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) missions in complement to ground SST networks, the specific objectives of the HE23-24 TOP3 action have been defined considering the specific objectives defined in the Work Programme.

• Study and assess several technical solutions for the development of a future European capability of SBSS
• Explore the use of small satellite solutions to reduce CAPEX and OPEX
• To develop in the mid-term the European capacity to operate independently SBSS
• To reduce the dependence on critical SBSS technologies and capabilities from outside Europe

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL4-2025-SSA-SST-IBA

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Coordinator

AGENCIA ESTATAL AGENCIA ESPACIAL ESPANOLA
Net EU contribution
€ 40 000,00
Address
CALLE JOSE GALAN MERINO 6
41015 Sevilla
Spain
Region
Sur Andalucía Sevilla
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
€ 40 000,00

Participants (4)