This fund aims to kick start Space Upstream activities in Malta since this is a sector that is currently not being addressed through a specific funding strand. MCST’s thematic programmes are aimed to address immediate concerns of national interest. This theme is pertinent to the Maltese government’s agreement to upgrade its current status with the European Space Agency, which expires in 2024, from an “Observer Country” to a “European Cooperating State (ECS)”. This fund has been customised to suit the upcoming upgrade of the agreement made with the European Space Agency with the intention of creating a Space infrastructure in Malta. The Space Upstream is related to:
- The transportation of items or personnel into Space
- Space Exploration
- The development of related ground-based technology
Malta’s space activity is not confined to the Downstream and there is substantial research being conducted in relation to the Space Upstream sector. There are however no dedicated funding schemes to allow these research endeavours to grow. This fund allows research in this field to evolve and develop and to prepare Maltese stakeholders for broader opportunities under the ESA European Cooperating State agreement. The Space Upstream Programme aims to fund projects which are either early stage or applied research, hence targeting research between TRL 1 and TRL 7. It offers a maximum of €125,000 for research in this field where Maltese Legal Entities from public, private and academic institutions can apply as sole beneficiaries or through a consortium. Potential applicants are to apply under Non-State Aid, De Minimis or GBER accordingly. The project duration can be between 12 or 18 months.
Applications will be received on space.mcst@gov.mt keeping Dr Michael Quinton michael.quinton@gov.mt by Friday 14th July 23:59hrs
Information Session about the Call:
MCST together with ESA will deliver an information session about the Call. The session will be held online on Friday 9th June, between 10:00 and 11:30hrs
The information session materials can be found in the tabs below. You may request a copy of the recording by sending an email to space.mcst@gov.mt.
Please confirm your attendance by filling in the Google form. You may also book a one-to-one session with an ESA representative to discuss your proposal by booking an appointment in the form provided
Kindly contact us by email on space.mcst@gov.mt keeping Dr. Michael Quinton (michael.quinton@gov.mt) in copy for further information and to schedule one-to-one meetings.
Space_Upstream_Thematic_Programme_2023_Rules_Opt_A
Space_Upstream_Thematic_programme_2023_Rules_Opt_B
Space_Upstream_Thematic_Programme_Application_Form_2023
Non_State_Aid_Declaration_Public_Entity
Non_State_Aid_Declaration_Research_Organisation
GBER Undertaking_in_Diffculty+Enterprise_Size_Declaration
GBER Declaration for effective collaboration
GBER Research Type Evaluation Form_Template 2023
This article was last updated on: June 2, 2023