European Space Agency: Space for Digital Infrastructure

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.

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.

Who should apply?

ESA are looking 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.

For this call, companies residing in ESA Member States will be eligible to apply: this includes the UK.

The initiative is open to the submission of proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects:

• Feasibility Studies – which provide the preparatory framework to identify, analyse and define new potentially sustainable services (max €500,000 per project, this can cover up to 80% of costs depending on business size)
• Demonstration Projects – dedicated to the implementation and demonstration of pre-operational services (case by case assessment, can cover up to 80% of costs depending on business size)

Benefits and funding

ESA’s offer includes:

• zero-equity funding (50-80% depending on SME Status and Member State Approval)
• technical and commercial guidance
• access to our network and partners
• ESA brand credibility

Support

If you would like help to find a collaboration partner, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team or our Digital team.