Role of COTS in the COM Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Space

EU Space Strategy

In 2016, the European Commission published a Space Strategy for Europe with the objectives:

• maximizing the benefit of space for society and EU economy
• Fostering a competitive and innovative European sector
• Reinforcing Europe’s autonomy in accessing and using space
• Strengthening Europe’s role as a global actor

The Space Programme proposal for 2021-2027 includes four components:

• Galileo/EGNOS
• Copernicus
• Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
• Secure Governmental Satellite Communication (GOVSATCOM)

Space R&D activities within the Horizon Europe proposal will support:

• R&I needs of the Space Programme
• competitiveness of the EU Space sector primarily through space technology development.

A changing Space…

• Since the beginning of the 90s private customers emerged progressively
  • 33% of the mass launched in 2017 was for private customers
  • Growth of the number of launches of micro and nanosatellites
    • Over the last 7 years: 43% of spacecrafts launched are below 10kg
• Strong trend in the use of large constellations, many declared projects:
  • OneWeb, Google/SpaceX, Samsung, LEOSat, TeleSat, Commsat
  • Iridium Next, Norstar, LEOsat, Galileo, TerraBella, Jilin
  • PlanetiQ, UrtheCast, Laserlight…

New Space Practices

• New Space practices, particularly evident in constellations, based on
  • Target very low cost
  • Modularity, no modification allowed – use as is
  • Go fast, fail quick, restart
  • Large series production methods, robotic assembly, supply economies
  • Share common resources – RF spectrum, access to space…
  • Acceptance of higher risks
  • Systematic use of COTS

Using COTS in Space is not just a pick and place exercise, a structured approach is necessary

Critical elements

• Limited traceability
• Limited access to qualification and supply chain data
  • Unless parts qualified based on Automotive standards e.g. AECQ100
• Unknown radiation performance
  • Testing and screening is mandatory
• Product turnover, process changes, obsolescence
• Lead-free terminations
  • Sensible aspect considering that the REACH regulatory pressure may result on difficult market availability of leaded solder paste and coatings

In return, very low cost if compared to a space qualified part

Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda

• Guidance and recommendations for Space Research in Horizon Europe
• Consultation of a broad base of stakeholders

How COTS are seen by the SRIA?

Technology Transfer, Manufacturing, Assembly and Testing at larger-scale

Need to enhance the coordination and create synergies by sharing technologies between space and non-space sectors

• Best use of COTS components as a response of spin-in activities from non-space
• Prospecting, promoting, demonstrating and qualifying technologies developed for other markets

HOW?

• Prospective of funding for projects aiming at bringing COTS components into Space applications
• Support to specific actions aiming at:
  • Evaluating compatibility of aeronautics, automotive, commercial parts with Space requirements
  • Building a shared European industrial knowledge

Time line for COTS in Space Research and Conclusions

• In 2020 the preparation of the Horizon Europe Space Work Programme based on the SRIA will take place
• Place holders were introduced in the SRIA covering many aspects of the Space Research including also the use of COTS
• What shall we do first, what will be the priorities?
• This conference and other discussions that will take place in the next months will be considered for deciding the priorities