Innovate in Microgravity - ESA's Parabolic Flights for Commercial Use
Parabolic Flights Advantages for Commercial Research
Fast and Flexible Access to Microgravity - Unlike orbital missions, parabolic flights offer rapid access to microgravity environments without the long lead times or high costs associated with space launches.
They are a cost-effective entry point to space as they are significantly more affordable than sending payloads to the International Space Station (ISS) or using free-flyer platforms.
While until recently, ESA’s parabolic flight campaigns were primarily reserved for scientific research, ESA decided to enable access to parabolic flights for broader groups, including commercial actors. This marks a strategic expansion of access, enabling startups, SMEs, and industry partners to leverage microgravity for innovation, testing, and visibility.
Commercial entities are expected to cover the cost of the portion of the facility resources which they utilise. These costs may vary depending upon the dimensions, mass, power consumption, and number of operators required by the experiment. As a first approximation, one campaign for an average experiment (appox. 200kg, 200W, 2.5mx2,5m total footprint, including 3 human operators) would use facility resources equivalent to 150,000 EUR. Dedicated cost calculations will be performed on a case-by-case basis as part of the technical feasibility assessment phase of eligible proposals.
Eligible applicants are invited to submit their applications via the OSIP system: Open Space Innovation Platform - OSIP - Channel: Parabolic Flights - Technology and Commercial Applications
Parabolic Flights are Ideal for:
- Early-stage testing of prototypes and experimental setups.
- Iterative development, allowing companies to refine their technologies before committing to more expensive orbital missions.
- Startups and SMEs who wish to enter the space research domain.
- Pharmaceutical and biotech firms who wish to explore microgravity’s impact on drug development and tissue growth.
- Human factors research, such as testing wearable devices, medical equipment, training astronauts, and more.
Microgravity for All: Fostering an Inclusive Space Ecosystem
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) 2040 strategy states that ESA’s mission is “to lead and orchestrate European space excellence to build a more prosperous, resilient, independent, and inspiring life for all of Europe.” One of the ways to achieve this goal is to lower the barrier to enter the space sector and to make it achievable for smaller companies by offering affordable, short-duration microgravity exposure.
Parabolic flights are not just a scientific tool; they are a strategic enabler for commercial innovation. This initiative reflects ESA’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive space ecosystem - where academic excellence and commercial innovation converge to push the boundaries of exploration.
More about Parabolic Flights
Parabolic flights create short episodes of zero gravity by flying aircraft in a series of steep climbs and dives. Each parabola provides around 20 seconds of weightlessness, repeated 93 times across three flights on each campaign. Slightly longer periods of partial gravity are also possible, such as Lunar or Martian gravity levels.
Parabolic flights offer a unique opportunity for companies to test technologies and processes in microgravity without the cost and complexity of space missions. This enables faster iteration and validation of concepts - especially valuable for life sciences, materials development, agriculture, and more.
To learn more about parabolic flights: ESA - Parabolic flights
Flights are operated by Novespace: Novespace and Avico - Air Zero G
Life Science Accelerator Update: Zeprion-2 Has Launched to the ISS with SpacePharma
The Zeprion-2 mission, launched on 24 August 2025 aboard SpaceX33, marks a significant milestone in European space-based research and commercialization. Co-funded via the ESA BSGN Industry Accelerator for Life Sciences, managed by MEDES, and led by a commercial consortium including SpacePharma-EU, University of Trento, University of Milano Bicocca, University of Santiago de Compostela, Italian National Research Council, IBBA CNR National Research Council and Telethon Foundation, Zeprion-2 project exemplifies how space can serve as a frontier for transformative innovation in structural biology and drug discovery.
Zeprion-2 is the second iteration of a pioneering research initiative focused on protein crystallization in microgravity. The project utilises a remotely operated lab-on-a-chip microfluidic device developed by SpacePharma-EU aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to initiate and monitor crystal growth. This unique environment allows scientists to produce high-quality protein crystals that are often unattainable on Earth, unlocking new possibilities for pharmaceutical development. The project builds on the legacy of Zeprion-1, which was catalysed by Alice Anane, founder of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Foundation. Her vision to explore space-based crystallization for prion protein research laid the groundwork for this international collaboration.
Zeprion-2 is more than a scientific experiment. It is a proof of concept for how space-based platforms can revolutionise commercially driven R&D. Protein crystallography is a cornerstone of drug design, and the ability to generate superior crystals in space can dramatically improve the resolution of structural data, especially for complex or unstable proteins.
For pharmaceutical companies, this means faster, more efficient drug pipelines. For biotech innovators, it opens new avenues for research. And for European industry, it demonstrates the viability of commercial space-based experimentation.
BSGN’s support for Zeprion-2 has been comprehensive and sustained. Over the past 12 months, the BSGN Industry Accelerator managed by MEDES, provided support to the Zeprion team and co-funded the development which allowed its microfluidic crystallization system to life. From ideation to launch, BSGN is a partner in every step of the journey, helping projects like Zeprion to navigate complexities of space-based R&D and unlock new commercial opportunities through:
- Early-stage scoping and feasibility assessments
- Access to ESA’s technical expertise and infrastructure
- Facilitation of international partnerships
- Support with regulatory and operational planning
- Commercial matchmaking with LEO Commercial Service Providers (CSPs) and visibility across Europe
To discover how BSGN empowers innovation across diverse industries, explore the industry-focused accelerators.
To connect with pioneering companies benefiting from our network, browse the growing list of companies we support.
About ESA and BSGN
The Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN) is a European Space Agency (ESA) initiative designed to foster European commercialisation in space. By connecting industry, academia and public institutions, BSGN supports projects that leverage space environments for innovation across sectors - from health and biotech to materials science and beyond. BSGN’s mission is to enable and accelerate commercial access to space, providing the tools, funding, and strategic guidance needed to turn visionary ideas into operational realities.
About MEDES
The BSGN Life Sciences Industry Accelerator aims to engage new players from biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, supporting projects that tackle terrestrial challenges through the unique advantages of the space environment combined with European commercial space-based platforms in Low Earth Orbit. It fosters collaboration with the commercial space ecosystem, encourages the development of high-potential commercial activities, and seeks to attract new sources of funding beyond ESA.
Call for Proposals: Management of the ESA BSGN Agri-Food Industry Accelerator (Closed)
The European Space Agency (ESA) invites proposals from qualified entities to lead the Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN) Agri-Food Industry Accelerator. This initiative leverages the unique microgravity environment to foster commercial innovation in the agriculture and food markets.
In light of fast-development of commercially-driven R&D projects in microgravity environment, ESA is seeking to identify and appoint an external entity as the managing partner which will be responsible for operating the BSGN Agri-Food Industry Accelerator. The selected entity (or consortium) will support commercial R&D projects in accessing space microgravity environment to develop, test and commercialise their solutions.
The agriculture and food sectors can explore microgravity as a unique R&D environment to accelerate innovation in several high-impact areas. These include plant resilience and seed germination under stress conditions, microbial fermentation and the production of nutrient-rich or functional ingredients, cellular agriculture for cultivated meat and dairy analogues, and food packaging and preservation technologies.
The BSGN Accelerators are strategically relevant for the advancement of ESA's Human and Robotic Exploration strategy (Explore2040) as they support demand generation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) market and thereby facilitate the transition from the ISS to the commercially-driven post-ISS era.
Lead the Future of Agri-Food Innovation with ESA's BSGN Industry Accelerator
By leading the full lifecycle of the BSGN Industry Accelerator for Agri-Food, the selected entity will:
- Deliver Market Assessment on the underlying agri-food market segments which shall serve as a precondition for the subsequent preparation and publication of the Call for Projects
- Scouting for promising commercial projects in the targeted market segments
- Launch competitive Calls on the ESA platform (OSIP) to identify and support relevant projects
- Evaluate, together with ESA experts, and select the best ones
- Facilitate access to LEO, to the International Space Station (ISS), and on other microgravity LEO platforms and commercial services (e.g. free-flyers) via ESA and commercial service providers
- Provide technical, business and investment readiness support to the projects that will be selected in order to fulfil the Decision Gate requirements in order to allow the in-orbit experiments and demonstration
- Monitor the implementation of the projects’ experiments/demonstration in LEO for the ones which successfully unlock ESA approval and co-funding)
- Build and maintain a stakeholder community relevant for the targeted market segments
- Take part in events and outreach activities in coordination with ESA
- Ensure proper monitoring, documentation and reporting of outcomes
ESA plans to allocate €1.1M of funding for the BSGN Industry Accelerator for Agri-food. Part of it will be allocated directly to the managing partner to cover the costs and effort needed to execute all the Accelerator’s activities. The other part will be available for the projects selected in the Accelerator, to support them in preparing and executing their experiments and demonstrations under microgravity conditions.
Do you believe you have what it takes to lead the BSGN Agri-Food Industry Accelerator? Learn more about this unique opportunity and apply on the OSIP platform.
Timelines & Submission
Call is open to applications between 1 July and 12 September – You can apply via the OSIP platform.
Evaluation by ESA and shortlisted candidates are expected to be notified by October 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit their full proposal via an ESA Restricted Fixed Call for Proposals (RCP) published on ESA-star and will be requested to submit a detailed full proposal via ESA’s ESA-star system.
The ESA-star RCP package is expected to be released by the end of October 2025 and close by the end of November 2025.
It is expected to have the selected entity to be announced by end of the year 2025.
For more information, reach out by e-mail: bsgn@esa.int
The 2nd Call of the BSGN Advanced Materials and In-Orbit Manufacturing Accelerator (Closed)
The ESA BSGN Advanced Materials and In-Orbit Manufacturing Industry Accelerator, led by Satellite Applications Catapult, has opened a new call for projects. This call seeks to attract commercially driven R&D projects from space and non-space industries, with the aim of using a microgravity environment to explore, foster and contribute to new and advanced materials solutions and in-space manufacturing capabilities across Europe . Interested applicants can apply until 31st August 2025 on the OSIP platform.
For many years, the space sector has accelerated innovation in material science, enabling the delivery of broad economic and societal value. Today, the rise of a commercial in-orbit economy, including autonomous research platforms, next-generation space stations, and dedicated microgravity labs, is unlocking entirely new frontiers for materials R&D.
Alongside ESA’s BSGN Advanced Materials Accelerator, selected projects will gain access to technical support, funding opportunities, and a growing ecosystem of commercial and institutional partner companies to develop new discoveries in low Earth orbit and beyond. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the future of commercial space innovation.
Following the success of its first round, the second call for projects is now open, with a larger budget and a sharper strategic focus!
The Phase 2 Call builds upon the success, learnings and momentum of Phase 1, while reflecting an evolved strategy and vision for the accelerator. This time, there is a major emphasis on the R&D and optimisation of new and advanced materials which can benefit from the use of microgravity. The accelerator refined the evaluation criteria prioritising industrial impact, market potential and cross-sector collaboration, aligning with ESA’s evolving priorities under the Explore 2040 strategy.
The accelerator serves as a foundational mechanism to bridge the commercialisation gap between promising research, technical feasibility and in-orbit deployment. We are looking for projects with the following characteristics:
• Use of microgravity as an enabler, not just a testing opportunity
• Differentiated technology with clear market relevance
• Genuine commercial traction or validated interest
• Strong delivery capability and technical maturity
• A clear post-demo scale-up strategy
This call has an emphasis on deploying innovations to solve real-world challenges and bridge the gap between proof-of-concept and market-ready solutions.
“The LEO ecosystem is developing fast and it is giving rise to new opportunities to explore the use of microgravity conditions to advance knowledge and mature R&D activities towards the goal of offering new solutions to terrestrial and space markets. The ESA BSGN Accelerator’s model provides clear incentives – co-funding, technical and commercial support – to take action and invest in this exciting domain, while new commercial solutions appearing in the market are collectively providing signs that the post-ISS era can open the door to new markets.”
- Francesco Liucci, Innovation Management Officer responsible for the ESA BSGN Industry Accelerators initiative
“The demand for next-generation materials is accelerating across sectors — from semiconductors to photonics. Microgravity offers a way to engineer materials with purities, structures and properties not achievable on Earth. This Accelerator is designed to turn that potential into commercially viable, real-world applications.”
- Hamid Soorghali, Lead Strategy Consultant at the Satellite Applications Catapult
ESA BSGN Industry Accelerator has already secured a budget of €800,000 to be allocated to the most impactful advanced materials and in-orbit manufacturing projects. Selected projects will receive co-funding to execute in-orbit experiment or demonstration, and tailored support to de-risk innovation, accelerate technology development and advance towards commercial deployment and investor readiness.
Timelines
Projects submission is open until 31st August 2025.
The evaluation phase will take place during September - October 2025.
By early November 2025 the projects portfolio will be selected.
Contact & Submission
Projects submission via the OSIP platform.
Register to the informative “Ask Me Anything” webinar, which will take place on June 10th 2025, at 14:00-17:00 CEST. Register here.
For questions and more information: bsgnmaterials@sa.catapult.org.uk
About ESA
The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space. ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working with the EU on implementing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions.
Learn more about ESA at https://www.esa.int
About BSGN
The BSGN is a European Space Agency initiative designed drive the growth of new economic markets in Low Earth Orbit and on the Moon. It focuses on supporting the development of new commercial markets and innovations through microgravity-enabled applications, fostering collaboration between space and non-space industries, and encouraging high-potential commercial activities. The mission of the BSGN accelerators is to lower barriers for non-space sectors to access in-space R&D, stimulate private investment and co-fund microgravity-enabled innovations and related in-orbit supply chains and infrastructure.
In 2022, the BSGN established the Advanced Materials and In-Orbit Manufacturing Accelerator, led by Satellite Applications Catapult, to drive demand-led innovation, expand commercial use of microgravity platforms, and foster new industrial capabilities in space-enabled sectors across Europe. The accelerator collaborates with a wide range of innovators, including start-ups, SMEs, and large corporates, to leverage space-based R&D for advanced product and technological innovation. It supports projects rooted in terrestrial industrial innovations, offering access to in-space R&D platforms and commercial services through guided support and strategic ecosystem engagement.
Learn more about the BSGN network here.
About the Satellite Applications Catapult
The Satellite Applications Catapult is at the heart of the satellite services revolution, driving adoption of space technology to shape and sustain the world of tomorrow. We’re driven by how our actions help the organisations we work with, both large and small, bring new services to market. By connecting industry and academia we get new research off the ground and into the market more quickly.
Learn more about Catapult at http://www.sa.catapult.org.uk
For questions, reach out to bsgnmaterials@sa.catapult.org.uk
BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator Enters Phase 2
The BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator has officially entered Phase 2, marking a major step forward in life sciences innovation in microgravity. Building on the successes of Phase 1, this next stage aims to accelerate commercial life sciences projects, fostering new opportunities for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals in space.
Phase 1: Laying the Foundation for Growth
Phase 1, along with the Bridging Phase, focused on identifying and supporting market-driven biotechnological and pharmaceutical projects. By working with space commercial service providers, these early efforts created a foundation for the next stage. Now, in Phase 2, the focus shifts to establishing a structured, repeatable process for selecting and accelerating projects, ensuring long-term impact and a seamless transition to Phase 3.
Phase 2: Driving Innovation and Expanding Opportunities
Launched in early 2025, Phase 2 introduces a streamlined, turnkey approach to advance the most promising commercial projects in microgravity research. This phase expands beyond biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, now including cosmetics and nutraceuticals, opening the door to new industries that can benefit from space-based R&D.
To ensure the sustainability of the Accelerator, securing non-ESA funding remains a key priority. Several options first explored in the bridging phase will be further developed, including:
- Engaging large corporations to co-fund innovation.
- Launching innovation challenges to attract groundbreaking ideas.
- Encouraging private investment to drive long-term development.
- Establishing a clear regulatory framework for commercial microgravity research.
- Upcoming Call for Projects: Join the Future of Space Research
As part of Phase 2, the BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator will soon announce an open call for projects, inviting life sciences innovators to participate. This announcement is expected at the Health from Space event in Cannes, France, on 2-3 April 2025. Further details will be published soon.
A Transformational Step for Life Sciences in Space
With Phase 2 now in motion, the BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator is poised to become a driving force for life sciences research in Low Earth Orbit. This phase represents an exciting opportunity for industry leaders, researchers, and businesses to harness microgravity for scientific breakthroughs with real-world applications.
For further details: Open Space Innovation Platform - OSIP - Campaign: BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator - 2nd Call for projects !
About BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator
The BSGN Industry Accelerators are part of an ESA initiative designed to drive the growth of new economic markets in Low Earth Orbit and on the Moon. These accelerators facilitate collaboration with key industry players, attract new market entrants, and support the development of commercially viable business models based on space research.
Operating under a public-private co-funding model, the BSGN Life Science Industry Accelerator is managed by ESA’s Industrial Partners. It focuses on leveraging microgravity for cutting-edge research in biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals, helping companies find the right partners and funding tools to turn their innovations into reality.
Argonaut Industry Day 2025: Advancing Europe's Lunar Exploration Ambitions
Date: 6 March 2025
Location: ALTEC Headquarters – Auditorium Room, Corso Marche 79, 10146 Torino, Italy
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Thales Alenia Space are hosting the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element (LDE) Supplier Industry Day, an event dedicated to pushing the boundaries of Europe's lunar exploration. This is not just a meeting; it is a gateway to the future of European space exploration. It is an opportunity to witness the unfolding of a vision - a step towards securing a lasting presence on the Moon.
Discovering the Argonaut Project
Argonaut is Europe’s bridge to the Moon. It is more than a spacecraft; it is a commitment to exploration, and a promise of progress. Versatility is at its core: Whether delivering cargo and infrastructure, conducting groundbreaking research, deploying rovers, or establishing power stations, Argonaut adapts. It is designed to serve, to explore, and to pave the way.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space Italy to lead European aerospace companies in developing the Argonaut Lunar Descent Element - ESA’s first lunar lander. The Argonaut project will provide Europe with autonomous and sustainable access to the Moon, supporting international exploration programs. From the next decade, Argonaut will embark on regular lunar missions, delivering vital infrastructure, scientific equipment, technology demonstrators, and essential supplies for astronauts, including food, water, and air.
Argonaut is designed to withstand extreme lunar conditions, ensuring operations for up to five years, a key capability for sustainable lunar exploration. The spacecraft integrates seamlessly with ESA’s Lunar Link and Moonlight communication and navigation systems, enhancing precision landing and operational connectivity.
At its heart, Argonaut consists of three key components:
• Lunar Descent Element (LDE): The trusted guide that ensures a precise landing on the Moon.
• Cargo Platform Element: The bridge between the lander and its payload, a foundation for multiple mission types.
• Mission Payload Element: The reason for the journey—supplies for astronauts, scientific instruments, rovers, and more.
The first operational Argonaut mission, ArgoNET, is expected in 2031, with the Lunar Descent Element delivery set for 2030. By the end of 2026, ESA will select the industrial consortium responsible for integrating the first Lunar Descent Element.
By complementing NASA’s Artemis program, Argonaut does more than participate; it strengthens Europe's foothold in space. It offers an independent cargo delivery system. It creates new possibilities for collaboration. It ensures that Europe plays a critical role in humanity’s return to the Moon.
What to Expect at Argonaut Industry Day
The Argonaut Industry Day is a deep dive into the mission’s latest developments, the road ahead, and the opportunities it brings. The event is structured to inform, to connect, to inspire.
Morning Session – Program Presentations
The day begins with a series of compelling presentations that provide insight into the technical, industrial, and strategic aspects of the Argonaut mission:
• Argonaut LDE Program Overview – ESA
• Argonaut LDE Program Status, Industrial Organization, and Planning – Thales Alenia Space Italy (TAS-I)
• Argonaut LDE Structure, Thermal System, AIT, Software – TAS-I
• Argonaut LDE Propulsion and Fluidic Systems – Thales Alenia Space UK (TAS-UK)
• Argonaut LDE Data Handling System – Thales Alenia Space France (TAS-F)
• Argonaut LDE GNC, Power, and Communication – OHB Germany
• Procurement Process, Geo-return Targets, and Timeline – TAS-I
Afternoon Session – One-on-One Meetings
The afternoon brings an opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders. Attendees will have the chance to participate in individual discussions with representatives from:
• Thales Alenia Space Italy (TAS-I)
• Thales Alenia Space France (TAS-F)
• Thales Alenia Space UK (TAS-UK)
• OHB Germany
These face-to-face meetings are more than just conversations. They are chances to forge new partnerships, explore collaboration opportunities, and delve into procurement processes and upcoming invitations to tender (ITTs).
Procurement Opportunities
A diverse range of procurement opportunities will be discussed, including:
- Structural & Mechanical Systems – Landing legs, harness, thermal control systems
- On-Board Systems – On-board computer, remote terminal units, video monitoring cameras
- Propulsion & Fluidic Components – RCS thrusters, pressure regulator systems, propellant tanks
- Communication & Power Systems – S-/X-Band Deep Space Transponder, X-Band Travelling Wave-Tube Amplifier, batteries, solar array assembly
- Navigation & Sensing Equipment – Star tracker sensors, lidar, coarse sun sensor, inertial monitoring unit
- Software & Testing Facilities – Application SW/ISVV/SVF, field test/test facilities
Who Should Attend?
This event is open to companies from ESA Member States participating in the European Exploration Envelope Programme (E3P), including Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Austrian entities interested in participating should contact Argonaut Procurement Manager, Mr. A. Vigna, before registering.
How to Register
To secure your participation, please contact alessandro.demasi@thalesaleniaspace.com
Early registration is encouraged as spots are limited.
All participants must register by February 24, 2025 at 12am CET to secure their spot at the event. Late registrations may not be accommodated due to limited availability.
Important: doing business with ESA
If you are new to do business with ESA, please read first About Business With ESA and make sure you have followed the process to register on ESA star before registering to the present event.
Join us at the Argonaut Industry Day 2025. Witness the future unfold. Be part of the journey. Be part of shaping Europe’s place on the Moon!
Supporting Lunar Innovation: Meet the First Cohort of ESA’s Space Resources Accelerator
ESA’s Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN) is bringing the next generation of lunar technologies closer to reality through its most recent Space Resources Accelerator. This programme brings together six pioneering ventures developing solutions that will shape future lunar exploration and in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) value chain.
Selected from a competitive pool of applications from 14 different ESA Member States, these ventures are addressing key challenges in power, infrastructure and mobility—paving the way for a sustainable lunar exploration. Over the Acceleration phase, ESA and its partner ESRIC will support the teams of this first cohort of the new Space Resources Accelerator in refining their technologies, with the aim of executing an implementation plan to demonstrate their solutions in terrestrial environment.
Who’s in the First Cohort?
The six selected ventures represent a blend of early-stage start-ups and established innovators, all focused on tackling unique hurdles for the development of a lunar space resources value chain:
FibreCoat (Germany): Specialists in manufacturing high-performance fibre materials, FibreCoat is working on solutions to enable resilient lunar infrastructure, a critical step for long-term exploration.
Maana Electric (Luxembourg): Advancing ISRU technologies, Maana Electric is developing methods to produce solar panels from lunar regolith—a game-changer for sustainable power generation on the Moon.
Orbital Matter (Poland): Focused on additive manufacturing in microgravity, Orbital Matter aims to enable the construction of key infrastructure directly on the lunar surface.
Orbit Fab UK (United Kingdom): Innovators in orbital refuelling, Orbit Fab’s technology can support autonomous fuel transfer on the lunar surface, enabling sustained operations for rovers, landers and other key lunar assets.
Space Power (United Kingdom): With solutions for power beaming and lunar dust mitigation, Space Power addresses two of the Moon’s most significant operational challenges.
Volta Space Technologies (Canada): Developing space-based wireless power transmission systems, Volta is working towards affordable and reliable energy delivery for lunar surface and orbital assets.
Accelerating Progress for Lunar Exploration
The BSGN Space Resources Accelerator is part of ESA’s broader efforts to engage with private sector innovators and drive forward Moon-compatible technologies. By providing resources, technical expertise, commercialisation support and co-funding, the BSGN Industry Accelerators initiative supports ventures at a critical stage of development—moving from concept to demonstration.
What Comes Next?
The six ventures will begin the Acceleration Phase led by ESRIC in Q1 2025. Their goal is to finalise an implementation plan to demonstrate their solution in a suitable environment. Upon successful ESA approval of such plan, which involves also the assessment of the capability of each venture to pay for minimum 50% of the costs associated with the implementation plan, ESA will provide the remaining co-funding and allow the commercial projects to initiate the demonstration in the most suitable -like conditions.
As the BSGN Accelerator for Space Resources progresses, updates on each team’s achievements and technological milestones will be shared—showcasing the innovations that will enable and empower future missions to the Moon..
About ESA BSGN Industry Accelerators
The Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN) Industry Accelerators are designed to support commercial demand for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) activities in the current crucial stage between the International Space Station (ISS) era – which is coming to an end – and the post-ISS era, which will see many more commercial service providers to emerge. For LEO, the 3 BSGN Accelerators focus on different market segments: Life Sciences (including Biotechnologies and Pharmaceutical), In-space Manufacturing and Advnaced Materials, and Agri-Food. To date, via the 3 active BSGN Accelerators, ESA has unlocked €1.7M on private co-funding from 9 commercial projects supported.
In the lunar context instead, the BSGN Accelerator focuses on supporting the development of the future Space Resources value chain, fast-tracking innovation and bring commercially viable solutions to the forefront of lunar exploration. By connecting start-ups, scale-ups, and industry leaders with ESA resources and expertise, this initiative, led internally by Francesco Liucci, Innovation Manager at ESA, create a platform for technology development, investment and collaboration for these emerging space markets.
