AOCS mode switching is implemented on many spacecraft to perform progressive transition from coarse pointing to fine pointing, or to perform slews, using different combinations of sensors, actuators and control algorithms. This standard architecture is at a cost of a certain complexity, with consequences on development and validation cost.The proposed activity consists in hybridizing different sensors to get a virtual unified sensor. Similarly, the actuators would be merged and controlled through a virtual actuator distributing the command to each of the physical actuators.).

Access to the subsurface of planetary bodies, is still a young research field with only limited experiences demonstrated by the space community. Underground access will enable scientific understanding of the planetary bodies and can potentially be essential for habitability. In this context, it is vital to provide communication links with above-ground stations or relay satellites. A wireless communication link appears to be the most attractive solution because of its higher flexibility compared to wired networks.

On-board software quality is crucial for the space industry and is verified from the early stages of development. One of the first steps is static code analysis, performed by tools that assess adherence to coding standards. Developers then need to correct the identified issues, which can be labor-intensive. Reducing this effort is key to accelerating on-board software development. 

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Background and justification:

The ambitious goal to fully apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in future projects and to establish the methodology across ESA missions, engineering domains, customer-supplier boundaries and lifecycle phases demands that the entire lifecycle is addressed. This includes - among others - procurement, operations and the transition of engineering model data from Phase 0/A through to Phase E. For instance, the utilisation of digital system engineering data or models upon handover to the operator is limited and based on documents or static database artefacts.

Background and justification:
•Conformal antennas which can be integrated in the avionics of a launcher are a key point for telemetry, safety and GNSS data in launcher applications. Moreover, they minimize aerodynamic drag by being mounted on or embedded in the curved surface of high-performanceaircraft. COALA project combines antennas with low aerodynamic drag with superior RF performance to provide optimal platform performance. Moreover, the project reduces the European dependency to foreign solutions.

After Beagle 2 failure, one of the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry concluded that future planetary entry missions should include a minimum telemetry of critical performance measurements and spacecraft health status during mission critical phases such as entry and descent. In case a relay satellite would be available, the data would be transferred to it, which will act as an Orbiter.