GMV has achieved a significant participation in the recent calls of the ESA’s Future Space Transportation Ecosystem Programme (formerly known as FLPP, the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme).

FLPP ensures Europe’s competitive advantage in the global space transportation market. It drives innovation in disruptive technology maturation, space transportation ecosystem studies, and flagship demonstrators.

Within the last competitive calls, GMV has secured five major contracts as leader, and two more as subcontractor, in the following FLPP components:

InSPOC-2 (In-Space Proof of Concept 2):  This program is set to transform space logistics by enabling cryogenic propellant storage and on-orbit refueling, crucial for extending satellite life and supporting sustainable space infrastructure and space transportation. This breakthrough is key for the future of interplanetary missions and deep space exploration. In the frame of this program, GMV is leading one of the awarded contracts and acting as subcontractors into two more.

InSPOC-3 (In-Space Proof of Concept 3): The first phase of this project focuses on a study of the future needs of space logistics, including space transportation, covering areas like autonomy, safety, longevity, cooperation, and orchestration of complex operations. GMV has been selected as the prime contractor of one of the awarded POC-3 contracts, tasked with identifying key components and defining the priorities for a future demonstrator in an orbital scenario.

FIRST (Future Innovation Research in Space Transportation): The aim of this program is to detect, select, and demonstrate transformative technologies for space transportation. The latest campaign focuses on Avionics and Guidance, Navigation, and Control (AGNC), aiming to reshape future space transportation systems. GMV has been awarded with three contracts related with Autonomous Flight Termination, Lower Stages Recovery Navigation and Data Distribution Service over Time Sensitive Networking.   

The FLPP programme acts as a supportive partner, helping reduce risks and create consistent standards for the European SpaceTech ecosystem with the aim of shaping the future orbital market by helping create an ecosystem of key players who will offer separate, specialised in-orbit services, such as payload deliver, re-fuelling and servicing.

The announcement of the awarded contracts was made at the ESA FLPP Space Transportation Award ceremony, which took place in Paris, France, on October 9, and where the solidity of the GMV presence and expertise resulted evident to the audience.