Space4Rail ESA Open Call
Award: Share of up to €500,000
Programme: European Space Agency (ESA)
Closes: 31 December 2025
Overview
The European Space Agency (ESA) is supporting innovation in the rail sector through the Space4Rail Downstream Applications Open Call, part of the ARTES 4.0 programme. The initiative funds the development and demonstration of applications that exploit space-based assets—including satellite navigation, satellite communications, and Earth observation—to enhance the performance, safety, efficiency, and attractiveness of the European rail system.
The programme encourages solutions that address future control, command and signalling (ERTMS), improve railway performance and infrastructure management, and enhance the passenger and freight experience through digitalisation and smart services.
Eligibility
- Open to companies, organisations, user groups, and public or non-governmental bodies based in ESA Member States participating in the programme.
- Each bidder must obtain a Letter of Authorisation from their National Delegation prior to submitting a full proposal.
- Activities must be user-driven and involve at least one space asset (satellite navigation, communications, or Earth observation).
- Projects may be submitted as Feasibility Studies or Demonstration Projects:
- Feasibility Studies: define and assess new sustainable applications.
- Demonstration Projects: implement and validate pre-operational services with pilot users.
- For ERTMS-related themes, proposals must show business case improvement or complementarity with EU-level initiatives (e.g. Shift2Rail, Horizon 2020).
Award & Project Duration
- Award: Share of up to €500,000.
- Projects: assessed case-by-case.
Key Dates
- Closes: 31st December 2025
