The sixth thematic area under the “Space for Infrastructure” thematic call for proposals is digital infrastructure.
Background
Digital infrastructure refers to technologies that provide the foundation for an organisation's information technology and operations by bringing together physical and virtual technologies such as computer, storage, network, applications, and IaaS, PaaS and SaaS platforms. Examples of digital infrastructure include telecom networks, cloud computing and data centres. According to recent reports from Global Market Insights (GMI), digital infrastructure is projected to grow from $90 billion USD in 2020 to $120 billion USD in 2027. The demand for future generation services and devices, such as 5G and smart technologies, is expected to exceed $50 billion USD over the next five years. Digital infrastructure and rapid connectivity bring new opportunities. Satellite-based communications have a critical role to play in increasing connectivity to improve access to the online world as well as to enhance network resilience backing up the terrestrial infrastructure. Cybersecurity techniques and solutions should also be updated to reflect the substantial advancements in attacker capabilities, which can jeopardise availability of essential digital services (e.g. health, energy).
Value of Space
Satellite technology and data have a significant role to play in the development of potential services. This section lists (but applications are not limited to) the following examples:
Satellite Communications are becoming a key part of digital services with many new communications solutions now integrating LEO, GEO, and hybrid networks into their communication architectures. This has enabled advancements in areas such as:
- high-speed global internet
- 5G applications
However, these communication systems need to be secure and reliable. Downstream solutions which use satellite communications need to be provided in a cyber-secure environment so that threats to digital infrastructure can be mitigated against. In addition, satellite communications can be used for redundant communication channels when terrestrial communications are disabled, i.e. in an emergency situation. By using satellite communications as a backup, digital services can be continued in the light of a massive cyber-attack against digital infrastructure assets.
Satellite navigation and timing services (GNSS) provides both a timing and navigation service. From a timing perspective, GNSS provides highly accurate time synchronisation, which is crucial for the operation of various digital infrastructures. This includes:
- telecommunications networks (like 5G)
- power grids
- financial systems
- broadcasting networks reliant on digital infrastructure
Accurate timing ensures that these systems can operate efficiently and coordinate effectively. Synchronisation services are especially important for time-critical solutions or in situations in which digital infrastructure suffers a disruption. Geo-fencing, through a positioning service, of physical digital infrastructure assets is essential to ensure networks are physically protected and prevent the digital infrastructure becoming physically damaged.
Inherently, Satellite Earth Observation (SatEO) services use digital infrastructure for large amounts of data storage, processing and dissemination. However, SatEO can potentially enable the following applications:
- Regional level environmental monitoring: events such as earthquakes and landslips can cause damage to fiber-optic and wired networks. SatEO can be used to show areas in which maintenance would be required or provide insights into showing low-risk areas in which new fiber-optic cables could be laid.
- Planning of new networks
- Disaster Management: In the event of a disaster, SatEO can be used for supporting emergency response efforts. This mitigates the impact that disasters can have on key communication networks.
What we are looking for
We look for teams who have identified an attractive market opportunity with real potential to engage customers. Motivation, business experience and domain expertise are all important features. We want to hear about your ideas that involve the utilisation of either space technology or space data.
In particular we are looking for those opportunities which are going to become market disruptors to the digital infrastructure market and which offer a high level of innovation.
About the Opportunity
ESA will support Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects under this ‘Announcement of Opportunities’:
- Feasibility Studies allow successful teams to analyse, design and plan their intended service
- Demonstration Projects allow successful teams to put their intended service into practice. Teams will test their service in the market by running a pilot with significant users and, by the end of the project, the service should be operational.
How to Apply
- Register your team on esa star Registration today! If your team is made up of more than one company or organisation, each entity will need to register.
- Scroll down to the ‘Downloads’ section of this webpage to download all the official documents. Official documents include a document explaining the scope of this opportunity and the past two webinars hosted by ESA.
- Download the Activity Pitch Questionnaire template and submit your pitch as instructed in the Activity Pitch Questionnaire guidelines, through the form online.
- ESA will evaluate your pitch. Teams whose pitches are positively evaluated will be invited to prepare an Outline Proposal and then a Full Proposal. Teams must obtain a Letter of Authorisation from their respective National Delegation before submitting a Full Proposal. Contact details of all National Delegates can be found here: National Delegation(s).
Authorisation of Funding
For this call, companies residing in the following Member States will be eligible to apply: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The ‘Space for Infrastructure – Digital’ thematic call is issued under the ARTES BASS programme line.