The areas of R&I, which needs to be addressed to tackle the above-mentioned expected outcomes are:

• R&I on End-to-End SatCom Mission capabilities (e.g., satellite network interconnectivity, seamless integration into the terrestrial networks, taking into account and contributing to ongoing standardisation efforts, increased reactivity), strengthening efficient connectivity using various technologies (e.g. optical communication, Inter Satellite Links, reconfigurable payloads) and ensure compatibility and interoperability with 5G & 6G networks, and satellites as network nodes in a distributed system (e.g., ubiquitous use of orbital resources, distributed computing, embracing both ground and space), flexible and modular testbed for complex satcom typologies to assess performances, compatibility of the different elements and operations concepts, data fusion;
• R&I on on-board processing to optimize EO missions’ performance or timeliness (e.g., standardized software framework to host embedded edge-computing applications -AI, Machine Learning, in combination with onboard image processing for multiple spectrum and frequency bands capabilities-, data/signal image processing, enhanced downlink and uplink capabilities), EO ground segment interfaces and data flow standardisation and adoption (e.g., development of use cases demonstrating the associated digital building-blocks, at least in ground relevant environment), smart multi-source EO intelligence information fusion (e.g., innovative intelligence information extraction and fusion), EO-related equipment and instruments digitalisation (e.g., miniaturization of equipment, enhancement of the European optical digital detectors supply);
• R&I on synergetic technologies, building blocks and processes with applicability across both EO and SatCom systems and missions, such as maturation of technologies and products improving system security and threats identification, resources usage optimization, tools to support the measure of key environmentally driven criteria through increased resource sharing, and maturation of high-performance processing payload H/W and payload data flexible downlink to support space network capabilities together with software functions to demonstrate mission flexibility.

Developments should aim at on-ground relevant environment or in-orbit demonstration focusing on software and digital tools (e.g. algorithms, functions), supporting open-HW alternatives (e.g. processors, electronics) such as RISC-V or similar from design to pre-operation phases.

Proposals may contribute to one or more of the above R&I areas, however the main area addressed should be clearly and unambiguously identified. To ensure a balanced portfolio covering the three areas described above, grants will be awarded to applications not only in order of ranking but at least also to one proposal that is the highest ranked within each area, provided that the applications attain all thresholds. For the purposes of the ranking the main area declared by the proposal will be considered.

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 in space via e.g., on-ground relevant environment or in orbit demonstration.