Scientific data exploitation

This topic will cover the exploitation of all acquired and available data provided by space missions in their operative, post-operative or data exploitation phase and by space-related ground based investigations.

Projects may rely on the data available through ESA Space Science Archives when possible or other means (e.g. instrumentation teams). Combination and correlation of this data with international scientific mission data, as well as with relevant data produced by ground-based infrastructures all over the world, is encouraged to further increase the scientific return and to enable new research activities using existing data sets. These activities shall add scientific value through analysis of the data, leading to scientific publications and higher level data products, tools and methods. When possible, enhanced data products should be suitable for feeding back into the ESA archives. Resulting analyses should help preparing future European and international missions.

International cooperation is encouraged in particular with countries active in space exploration and space science.

The involvement of post-graduate scientists, engineers and researchers and the promotion of gender balance is encouraged, for example through professional work experience or through fellowships/scholarships as applicable.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 1 and 2 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately, including through proposals from small teams. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Support the data exploitation of European missions and instruments, in conjunction, when relevant, with international missions.

A higher number of scientific publications based on Europe’s space data, high-level data products made available through appropriate archives, and tools and methods developed for the advanced processing of data. Proposals are also expected to add value to existing activities on European and international levels, and to enhance and broaden research partnerships.