ESA Paves the Way for the Future of Space with Ambitious New Call for Re-usable Large Space Structures!

The European Space Agency (ESA) is on a quest to revolutionize the future of space exploration and infrastructure with its latest initiative focusing on Large Space Structures (LSSs). These remarkable constructs are essential for various applications including space data centers, massive reflectors, antenna farms, and even spacecraft recovery missions. However, assembling these giants in the void of space presents an array of complex technical challenges. In response, ESA has issued a call for innovative ideas that will promote the sustainable and efficient realization of LSSs.

Launching the LATTICE Campaign!

This initiative, dubbed the ‘Large Space Structure Construction, Maintenance, and Recycling Technologies’ (LATTICE) campaign, aims to develop foundational technologies that will propel the European space sector into a new era of re-usability, efficiency, affordability, and sustainability, moving away from traditional single-use spacecraft. "By opening this campaign, ESA continues its commitment to the Green Agenda and the transition towards a circular space economy," stated Leopold Summerer, Head of the Advanced Concepts and Studies Office. He highlights the importance of tackling all phases of the lifecycle of these massive structures, from design and engineering to construction and eventual decommissioning.

Addressing Unique Challenges

The landscape of building and maintaining LSSs is fraught with challenges. Components, tools, and supplies vital to construction must all be designed for robotic use, and operators will need to manage and control these structures while they are assembled in the unforgiving environment of space. ESA is looking for innovative solutions across six critical themes: 1. **Design and Engineering**: Innovate aspects of planning and logistics for LSS production. 2. **Ground Production**: Explore materials, supplies, and logistics preparation for LSS components on Earth. 3. **Logistics**: Develop efficient ground-to-space transportation systems for delivering components. 4. **On-orbit Construction**: Focus on assembling the LSS from smaller modular components, ensuring quality and verification. 5. **Utilization**: Address management, maintenance, and operational aspects of LSS. 6. **Decommissioning**: Develop strategies for dismantling and recycling components of the LSS.

Get Involved! Submit Your Ideas!

This exciting campaign will remain open until **November 3, 2024**. Innovative proposals will be evaluated in November, with selected concepts advancing to the proposal stage. ESA encourages diverse project applications, ranging from feasibility studies to comprehensive technology developments, inclusive of funding through the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), ARTES, or BASS initiatives. As we stand on the brink of a new frontier in space technology, ESA’s call for ideas represents an exciting opportunity for innovators to contribute to the sustainable future of our space economy. Embrace the challenge and help shape the destiny of our celestial endeavors! For all details concerning the campaign’s timing, evaluation process, and submission conditions, check out ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP). Don't miss your chance to be part of this monumental leap for mankind in the realm of space exploration!