Disruptive technologies in space transportation
Disruptive technologies change how space transportation capabilities are developed, operated, or delivered, fundamentally transforming or replacing systems, products or markets. They often create entirely new value networks and drive European competitiveness.
FLPP includes several programmes focused on disruptive technologies, including FIRST!.
FIRST!
Future Innovation and Research in Space Transportation
The FIRST! team identifies and accelerates the development of groundbreaking technologies.
As with other FLPP initiatives, FIRST! ensures these technologies are fully market relevant with viable commercial applications.
FIRST!’s Approach
FIRST! uses open competitions to identify promising technologies and support them through rapid prototyping and testing. Selected projects receive funding and technical guidance to reach at least TRL 4 within 12 months.
In a pioneering move for a space agency in Europe, FIRST! operates with a high-risk, high-gain mindset – accelerating the de-risking process and helping teams demonstrate feasibility quickly.
Key priorities
FIRST! explores technologies in:
- Structures, materials, and processes
- Avionics and guidance, navigation, and control systems
- Propulsion innovation
- Reusability technologies
- Sustainability
- Simulation and Intelligence
Additional developments are anticipated in the future.
Testimonials
“FIRST! is connecting the dots and creating a large network. We are a well-established company but putting us in contact with newcomers also creates an opportunity for us.”
– Javad Fatemi, Airbus Netherlands
“In our case, we were further supported by more launch service providers thanks to this kind of initiative (…) it reinforced the interest of the industries, which really helped us”.
– Manuel Serrano from Spanish startup OCCAM Space
“The speed and ease of the FIRST! programme has been a breath of fresh air. It’s facilitating European technology providers to get their ideas and products to market faster, which is beneficial to the competitiveness of the European space industry as a whole.”
– Kelly Matthews, ATG Europe
