ESA Earth observation activities: understanding the impact of ESA early R&D on innovation and research [Jan/2025]
Resarch and development is at the heart of any space activity, and the foundation of ESA programmes. The FutureEO Earth Observation Programme works with European institutions and industry to progress novel research and technologies to the stage where they are ready for space.
As the ESA’s Earth Observation research and development programme, FutureEO supports novel ideas to develop pioneering satellite missions and concepts, nurturing imaginative new ways of using Earth observation. Earth science is at the heart of this forward-looking programme, but FutureEO, critically, also underpins the development of operational satellite missions dedicated to delivering robust systematic data for services that improve daily life and boost the economy.
Understanding
and conceptualising the impact of early research and development activities is
a priority within the portfolio of ESA impact studies.
A study on the impacts of ESA early R&D activities has been set up within the System Architect Office in EOP-F. The study, implemented by the economic consultancy know.space, has two components:
- An in-depth assessment of a
sample of research and development activities conducted within the
FutureEO element "Foundations and Concepts”.
- The customization of a conceptual framework to Earth Observation specifics to measure the impact of space research and development activities. The framework elaborates the indicators to evaluate achievement of primary objectives, their definition and data needs.
Case study reports for two selected FutureEO activities have been finalised and are available on ESA Space Economy website library (ESA Space Economy Portal Library - please log-in to access the documents).
The reports highlight:
- The importance of early R&D within the ESA Earth Observation Envelope Programme FutureEO funding as a ‘stamp of approval’, providing visibility, strong reputational effects, developing IP and leveraging critical follow-on funding.
- The uniqueness of FutureEO funding at such early stage of development: industrial and academic entities benefiting from the funding report they would not have implemented their activities in absence of the ESA opportunity.
- The essential role of FutureEO activities in building critical skills and foundations of the future space workforce through the young professionals, students and PhDs who are directly involved in the activities.
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