European Space Agency: Space for Monitoring Hazardous Materials

Kickstart Activities explore the business opportunity and the technical viability of new applications and services that make use of one or more space assets (e.g. Satellite Communications, Satellite Navigation, Earth Observation, Human Spaceflight Technology).  This call is open to companies (economic operators) that intend to develop space-enabled applications and services to support and evidence environmental claims and labelling for the monitoring of hazardous materials.

Funding participation is open to groups, organisations and businesses which reside in ESA member states that have subscribed to the program; this includes the UK.

The size and nature of any potential funding involved is subject to authorisation by the involved National Delegation(s). As a result, bidding teams need to obtain a Letter of Authorisation from their national delegations, and include it as part of their full proposal.

Hazardous materials pose significant risks to human health and the environment, necessitating systematic monitoring and safe removal strategies. International and national regulations mandate the safe handling of these substances, and companies must invest in advanced monitoring technologies to comply with these regulations and to protect workers.

Environmental and public health monitoring

Hazardous substances, such as asbestos, pose significant risks to nearby populations, especially in areas that have historical contamination or improper disposal practices. It highlights the need for systematic environmental monitoring, safe demolition practices and secure waste containment to mitigate these risks.

Regulatory compliance and risk management

Strict frameworks govern the safe handling, monitoring, and disposal of hazardous materials to protect public health and the environment. Space-based technologies have an important role in enabling large-scale monitoring and data-driven risk management to ensure regulatory compliance, and proactive mitigation strategies.

Workplace and occupational safety

Employees face health risks working in environments with hazardous materials during construction, demolition, or industrial processes. This underscores the importance of advanced tools and strategies, including space-based technologies, to monitor and manage risks in real time, ensuring compliance with workplace safety standards.

Satellite Earth Observation (SatEO)

Large-scale, regular monitoring of air, soil, and water quality. It identifies contamination hotspots, including former industrial sites or demolition zones. It can detect asbestos fibres and other hazardous materials using hyperspectral and optical imagery, and supports regulatory compliance by verifying safety standards and reducing the need for on-site inspections.

Satellite Communications (Satcom)

Seamless data transmission from remote monitoring sensors, particularly in areas with a limited communication infrastructure. This facilitates rapid responses to risks and ensures reliable communication between monitoring teams, regulatory bodies and health agencies. It offers high-bandwidth communication for continuous environmental monitoring and data handling.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

Accurate location data for contaminated areas, ensuring efficient targeting of high-risk zones and effective environmental assessments. It optimises the positioning of monitoring devices and supports compliance with regulatory requirements, and enhances real-time data tracking and mapping for better management of hazardous materials and legacy contamination sites.

ESA offer funding and support to companies, both for business case assessment and for the development of new, space-based services.

The offer includes:

• Technical & commercial guidance
• Access to ESA network and partners
• Use of the ESA brand for your service
• Zero-equity funding
• Each selected activity will receive 75% funding by the European Space Agency of up to 75k EUR

A supporting webinar will be held on Wednesday 4 June at 11am CEST (10am UK time): click here to register for a place. Registration is mandatory for attending the event. A few days prior to the event you will be provided with a link and instructions.

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