The SC phase of the EROSS project is the fourth part of the R&D partnership developed with the European Commission. So far, the project allowed to increase the Technology Readiness Level of several key building blocks. The first phase involved six projects related to the development of technologies dedicated to robotics and in-orbit operations.
EROSS SC showcases a mission design that will provide both life extension and life enhancement to future space systems, therefore answering both short-term customer needs and anticipating future new business perspectives
These space vehicles will be able to carry out a wide range of operations in orbit, including controlled re-entry of space debris, robotic manipulation, the extension of a satellite's operational life, in-orbit re-fueling, inspection, and many more. The project started in February 2023. It will last 24 months. The goal consists in designing a demonstrator while progressing in parallel on the maturity of the key building blocks.
The demonstration mission concept includes the complete orbital rendezvous phase of a Servicer satellite with a collaborative Client satellite prepared for On-Orbit Servicing that shall be followed by the capture and then servicing operations. The whole idea is to validate the capability of carrying out on-orbit operations of this type for future missions. On-Orbit servicing space vehicles represent a real paradigm shift in space: upcoming systems will no longer be “abandoned to their fate” once in orbit, but can evolve over their lifetime. An in-orbit demonstration is expected by 2026.
Quick facts & figures
What does EROSS SC stand for?
European Robotic Orbital Support Services – Servicing Component
What is the grant agreement number?
Grant agreement ID: 101082464
What is the total funding?
The total funding of EROSS SC is €25,983,822
100% funded by the EU, with an extra €5m provided by Switzerland.
What is the timeframe of the project?
2021-2022: EROSS+
Maturation of technologies
Definition of an in-orbit demonstration mission
2023-2026: EROSS IOD/EROSS SC
Maturation of technologies
Design of the in-orbit demonstration mission
Production and qualification
2026
In-orbit demonstration
LEO
Rendezvous and inspection
Docking
Station keeping for an unprepared satellite
ORU transfer and refuelling for an unprepared satellite
2027-28
First European operational OOS mission
GEO
Station keeping
Telecommunication satellite
2030
Servicing fleet
>2035
In-orbit assembly
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