ESA General Support Technology Programme (GSTP)

The programme takes leading-edge technologies that are not yet ready to be sent into space and develops them for use in future missions – missions that will help us discover the universe, understand our environment, navigate, educate, and save lives.

The General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) addresses new needs and emerging applications. Its objectives are to enable activities at the European Space Agency (ESA) and national programmes by developing technology, support the competitiveness of UK and European industries, foster innovation, and transfer non-space technology (spin-in) to the design of new space systems. It also aims to enhance European technological independence and the availability of European resources for critical technologies.

The GSTP is split into three elements:

Element 1 – Develop

• Development of technologies and products from low TRL to qualification for platform, payload, ground segment, and engineering tools.

Element 2 – Make

• Market-driven, industry-initiated, co-funded direct negotiation activities for technology maturation, leading to products.

Element 3 – Fly

• Hosts in-orbit demonstrations and technology flight opportunities, such as cubesats and ISS payloads.

Proposals and bids may be made by consortia across industries, with or without academic institutions’ involvement. These may include companies and organisations from other ESA member states. However, should a consortium include an entity from another member state, that participant will need to secure their delegate’s support for their financial share.