A new program from the European Space Agency (ESA) will provide up to €75,000 per study to support satellite-based solutions for Europe’s transport systems.
ESA’s new funding call aims to improve rural transport networks across Europe and partner countries, calling on companies to develop space-enabled services that address long-standing mobility challenges in remote areas.
The initiative, announced under ESA’s Kickstart program, focuses on early-stage concepts that integrate satellite data and space technology into transportation systems serving rural areas.
Selected teams will receive up to 75% co-funding from ESA, up to a maximum of €75,000 per project, to carry out a six-month feasibility study.
Addressing structural gaps in rural connectivity
Local transportation networks remain important for connecting remote communities with economic centers, health services, and supply chains. However, these systems often operate under constraints such as sparse populations, limited infrastructure investment, and difficult terrain.
Across Europe, policymakers are stepping up efforts to close these gaps. Funding flows such as the EU’s Cohesion Policy and the UK Government’s Future of Transport: Rural Strategy reflect broader attempts to modernize transport systems while supporting aging populations and local businesses.
At the same time, climate policy under the European Green Deal is accelerating interest in low-emission mobility solutions, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure and digital traffic management tools.
ESA’s latest call positions satellite-based services as a potential enabler, arguing that space assets can help modernize local transport networks in a scalable and commercially viable way.
Focus areas of proposal
The agency has outlined a range of topics that it considers particularly relevant, but applicants are not limited to these areas. They include:
Strengthening public transport services Supporting the operation of autonomous vehicles Expanding the number of electric vehicle charging points in rural areas Monitoring road conditions and road surface degradation Optimizing routes for efficiency and reliability Strengthening emergency response capabilities Assessing environmental impacts Improving logistics, supply chain and fleet management services
The focus is on services that combine technical feasibility with clear commercial routes.
How space technology can contribute
ESA highlights three main categories of space assets that have the potential to support new transportation system solutions.
Satellite Earth observation data can be used to monitor infrastructure conditions such as road wear, land deformation, and flood-prone areas. Such data can also support traffic analysis and detect vegetation encroachments along roads that can pose safety risks.
Satellite communications provides connectivity even in areas where terrestrial networks are weak or non-existent. This enables near real-time data exchange between vehicles and infrastructure, commonly referred to as V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) and V2I (vehicle-to-vehicle) communications, while also supporting faster emergency response.
Satellite navigation systems improve route planning accuracy and provide reliable location data for autonomous vehicles and time-sensitive logistics operations.
Funding model and project scope
Under this programme, ESA will co-fund 75% of each approved research, up to a total project value of €100,000. The funding is provided on a zero-capital basis and is intended to support a six-month feasibility assessment.
During this time, participating companies are expected to refine their business cases, test technical integration of satellite data, and engage with future customers.
ESA provides technical and commercial guidance, along with access to its network and the right to refer to ESA support related to the project.
However, this agency does not provide direct access to space data or manage the resulting space segment of the service. Applicants must demonstrate how they secure the necessary data sources and appropriate in-house expertise.
Qualifications and next steps
This call is for companies developing space-enabled products and services for local transportation networks and broader transportation system applications.
To be eligible for funding, project teams must be based in one of several participating countries, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and more. Norway and the Netherlands are not participating in this round.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult their national ESA delegation early in the process and obtain written permission before submitting their proposal.
As rural mobility becomes increasingly linked to economic resilience and climate change goals, ESA’s latest funding round signals the agency’s growing interest in applying space technology to everyday infrastructure challenges.
Source link
