Engaging the Private Sector in Space Exploration – ESA’s Approach

Paper number

IAC-16,A3,1,2,x32750

Coauthor

Mr. Bernhard Hufenbach, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Leopold Summerer, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Andreas Borggräfe, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Luca del Monte, European Space Agency (ESA), France

Coauthor

Ms. Elisabeth Sourgens, ESA, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Veronica La Regina, RHEA System B.V., The Netherlands

Year

2016

Abstract

ESA launched in 2015, through a Call for Partnership Ideas, a process for setting-up strategic partnerships with the private sector to facilitate the implementation of its exploration ambitions, and to foster growth and competitiveness of the European space and non-space industrial base. The approach positions ESA as partner of private sector initiatives in the field of space exploration, in line with the ESA Strategy for Space Exploration adopted in 2014. The ESA Exploration Strategy is
\begin{itemize}\item driven by goals which link space exploration to benefits created for society at large, addressing the scientific, economic, political and public dimension of space exploration;\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item based on the exploration destinations LEO, Moon and Mars;\end{itemize} 
\begin{itemize}\item focused on implementing exploration missions and;\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item enabled through strategic cooperation with international Space Agencies of other spacefaring nations (e.g. USA, Russia, China) as well as partnerships with private and other institutional entities.\end{itemize}

At the end of 2015 ESA had received and evaluated ~60 partnership ideas in response to this first Call.  As of end of February 2016, 8 partnership ideas were selected to enter into a pilot phase to demonstrate the programmatic & technical feasibility, consolidate the business plan and partnership model and prepare implementation of the full partnership.

The scope is broad and includes services related to utilisation of the International Space Station (ISS), post-ISS Low Earth Orbit (LEO) exploitation, lunar exploration, and ground analogue tests. The foreseen partnerships aim at addressing the following objectives:

\begin{itemize}\item Nurture the gradual establishment of private sector services led by European companies for LEO exploitation, by promoting broader utilisation of ISS and opening perspectives for sustained LEO exploitation services post ISS;\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Strengthen competitiveness of European industry in providing exploration enabling services at global level;\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Stimulate R&D and integrate innovative solutions into ESA space exploration missions;\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Foster innovative approaches for inspiring and engaging the public.\end{itemize}


ESA will also explore, together with its private sector partners, opportunities for leveraging on innovative funding sources (crowd funding, sponsorship, prize schemes) for advancing the implementation of the partnership ideas.

This paper describes the overall rationale and approach of this new ESA initiative and reports on the progress achieved.

Abstract document

IAC-16,A3,1,2,x32750.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-16,A3,1,2,x32750.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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