Seventh EU Framework Programme Ireland

Overview of Space Call

The objective of the FP7 Space work programme is to support a European Space Policy focusing on applications such as GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security), with benefits for citizens, but also other space foundation areas for the competitiveness of the European space industry. This will contribute to fulfil the overall objectives of the European Space Policy, complementing efforts of Member States and of other key players, including the European Space Agency (ESA).

ESA is identified as the pre-defined beneficiary for two main FP7 GMES activities, namely "Development of GMES dedicated space infrastructure" and "Co-ordinated provision of space-based observation data for GMES". The FP7 Work Programme for Space foresees that 45% of the overall budget is intended to be managed by ESA for space infrastructure development and 8% for access to earth observation data.

The Space thematic area (Theme 9) which has a budget of approximately €1.4B can be divided into two main classes of activities as follows:

• Space-based applications at the service of the European Society, with GMES being central to this activity.
• Providing R&D support to the foundations of Space science, exploration, space transportation and space technology through synergies with initiatives of ESA (European Space Agency) or other European, national or regional entities.