In-Orbit-Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) is the EU’s programme to help new technologies be tested in orbit. Its goal is to foster a new generation of European space engineers and a commercial launchpad for tech developers, satellite manufacturers, and space transportation. It will reduce the time it takes to bring new products to market, increase the competitiveness of the European space sector, enable new entrants, and increase EU autonomy in space.
The IOD/IOV service is key for the space R&I community to demonstrate innovative technologies and operational concepts in space. This will foster the use of space data for scientific, public, or commercial purposes.
IOD/IOV Services
Between March 2023 and March 2027, there are two calls for Expression of Interest per year to pre-select IOD/IOV Experiments needing aggregation and Ready to Fly IOD/IOV satellites.
The calls are open until 15th March 2027. Past, current and future calls are:
- 31 May 2023, 18:00 (CET); - Closed
- 15 March 2024, 18:00 (CET); - Closed
- 2 September 2024, 18:00 (CET); - Closed
- 15 March 2025, 18:00 (CET); - Closed
- 1 October 2025, 18:00 (CET); - Closed
- 15 March 2026, 18:00 (CET);
- 1 October 2026, 18:00 (CET);
- 15 March 2027, 18:00 (CET).
Procurement actions are entrusted to ESA. All tender actions will be published on the ESA-Star portal and reference to the actions is reported on the Grants and Public Procurements page [include link to Grants and Public Procurements page].
IOD/IOV services enable testing of space technologies in orbit, accelerating innovation and market access. Through the CASSINI initiative, the EU supports start-ups, research organizations, and industry while developing critical space skills for the future.