Objective
The ERC Synergy Grant CloudCT addressed worldwide first time a self-organizing formation of ten cooperating small satellites (PI Schilling) to generate appropriate data for computed tomography methods (PI Schechner) to characterize composition of cloud interior, providing crucial inputs for improved climate predictions (PI Koren). The satellites are in final implementation stage for launch in 2027. Thus, it is appropriate timing to address in this PoC-proposal bridging to exploit broader commercial potential of innovative distributed, networked sensor technologies. Achieved technology breakthroughs for the specific CloudCT requirements will be extended in this PoC to be able to address broader application needs and to test this concept by using intensively advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop-tests.The satellite technology specialist team (PI Schilling /ZfT) is appropriately complemented by experts in patent law and business development, as well as the end user S4 GmbH.
The CloudCT technology inventions relate to specific formation control technology. Realized at a mass of only 4 kg, key technologies needed for CloudCT are developed, including relative navigation, networked control, and coordinated pointing. As PI and HI engineered these components, it is an excellent starting point for research to bridge these results to broader application needs in Earth observation to open full market potential. Beyond climate predictions, future extended technology potential addresses promising application fields of commercial relevance including: communication networks, space traffic control and Earth observation (with higher temporal resolution). An important example addresses collision avoidance to increase safety in orbit, despite dramatically increasing amount of objects in space.
To fully exploit the commercial potential of those disruptive technologies for small satellites, well qualified external specialists for IPR and market analyses complement the PI-/ZfT scientific team.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- social sciences law
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
97074 Wurzburg
Germany
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.