European Space Agency: Space For Intermodal Transport

This opportunity offers funding to European teams interested in developing sustainable space-based services and applications for intermodal transport, covering both freight and passenger transportation. The Call will accept proposals for Feasibility Studies and Demonstration Projects. Proposed services must utilise satellite data or space-based technologies.

Intermodal transport involves transferring passengers or goods using multiple transportation modes without handling goods during transfers. Urban areas face issues with congestion, parking, and pollution. Integrating intermodal transport with Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) can improve transport efficiency by coordinating various modes into accessible solutions. Cities are moving from car dependency to public transport and cycling, and well-designed intermodal systems can provide efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly options.

Intermodal transport offers opportunities for urban mobility and freight but faces challenges such as route planning, data integration, and varied regulations across transport modes. Addressing these challenges requires coordination, standardisation, and collaboration among stakeholders. Advanced technologies, including AI and blockchain, combined with space-based capabilities, can innovate processes and enhance the efficiency of intermodal systems, contributing to the decarbonisation of freight transport and overall supply chain effectiveness.

Eligibility

ESA seek business ideas in Intermodal Transport that demonstrate:

• Market opportunities and customer needs
• Commercially viable service concepts
• Feasible technical solutions
• Value from space data or technology
• Teams with business, technical, and financial expertise

To qualify for funding, your team must be located in an ESA member state: this includes the UK. Bidding teams must obtain Letter(s) of Authorisation from the relevant national delegation(s) before submitting a Full Proposal. If a team includes companies from different Member States, each entity must request a Letter of Authorisation from their National Delegate.

Proposals will be reviewed periodically. Therefore, tenderers are advised to submit their activity pitch questionnaires at their earliest convenience throughout 2025, rather than waiting until the final deadline.

Topics of relevance

Further details of all these topics are available on ESA’s website at the link below.

Environmental Sustainability

Intermodal transport integrates multiple modes of transportation in a coordinated way, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

Efficiency and Flexibility

Flexibility in intermodal transport is crucial for ensuring efficient and seamless journeys for passengers and goods. By integrating advanced digital solutions, we can reduce delays, optimise resource utilisation, and create smoother, more cost-effective operations. Key use cases include Advanced Tracking Systems, Demand-Responsive Transport and Infrastructure Challenges.

Safety

Ensuring the safety of passengers and vehicles requires reliable communication, especially in remote areas with limited or no terrestrial coverage. Additionally, keeping goods in the same unit throughout the journey minimises the risks of theft or damage. Key use cases include Minimised Handling, Communication in Low-Connectivity Areas and Adverse Weather Adaptation.

Value of space

There are many opportunities to use space assets and to integrate them with other technologies for the above topics. A (non-exhaustive) list of examples can be found below:

Satellite Positioning and Timing

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) enable innovative tracking and tracing of vehicles and goods through precise positioning, navigation, and timing. GNSS can provide positioning information ranging from coarse to high accuracy, depending on the use case. For example, it facilitates real-time location data and flow monitoring, enabling effective route optimisation and tracking for passengers, vehicles, and goods.

Satellite Communications

Satellite connectivity is vital for signalling critical situations in remote or low-connectivity areas. Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks can ensure reliable connectivity in these regions, supporting seamless data transfer and enhancing communication.

Satellite Earth Observation (SatEO)

SatEO data, combined with advancements in AI and machine learning, can offer insights into traffic flow, population movement, and activities along the supply chain. This data can also identify infrastructure needs and monitor the environmental impacts of traffic, such as emissions, while providing meteorological information relevant for route optimisation and planning.

Briefing and support

ESA will hold an online briefing on Wednesday 12 February 2025 at 11:00 CET (10am UK time).

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