Overview
Pioneer is ESA Telecommunications programme to support emergence of new providers of innovative space-based services. Pioneer helps develop the infrastructure of these new companies for low cost and quick access to space. The capability to deliver space-based services is validated through at least one Pioneer flight mission.
Objectives
Pioneer objectives are to support industry competitiveness by:
i. lowering the entry barriers faced by public and private entities wishing to demonstrate new and advanced technologies, systems, services and applications in a representative operational environment; and
ii. attracting entrepreneurs and service providers in the satcom market, thus furthering the adoption of new satcom solutions.

Pioneer Private Partners
To reach the above objectives, the Agency supports the emergence of commercial entities interested in becoming one-stop-shop service providers for public and private customers. Pioneer private partners are expected to:
− act as a single interface point for their customers who want to demonstrate, validate or operate, in a representative environment, innovative solutions requiring new space segment elements
− offer an affordable and timely access to space for testing, validating and operating innovative solutions that require new space segment elements
− ensure that the operations and decommissioning of space infrastructure are compliant with relevant international standards and guidelines, including those related to space debris mitigation.
The Pioneer private partners need to be equipped with:
− capabilities and competences, including inter alia: end-to-end mission definition, design, assembly, integration and test, deployment, operation, decommissioning, frequency spectrum management, customer interface standardization and tools, etc.;
− infrastructure building blocks, including inter alia: satellite platform and payload, communication tools and equipment for mission payload data and TT&C uplink and downlink, launch services, insurance services, ground control station for teleporting and communication infrastructure services, etc.
Pioneer private partners are expected to maximise the re-use of existing capabilities and infrastructure building blocks.
Validating the Service In-Orbit
As part of the Pioneer Programme, each of the Space Mission Provider is expected to build and launch one (or more) in-orbit validation Mission(s) with the purpose of demonstrating the respective service and as a showcase for future customers.
The private partner shall commit to implement and validate the infrastructure and service provision platform as well as to implement and operate the validation mission. The private partner shall furthermore provide the necessary function and performance validation data to the Agency.
Pioneer Projects : 7* Space Mission Providers * independent contracts
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Sapion |
Internet of Things service | 3U | Launched in 2021 | Open Cosmos, UK |
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Striving |
IOV service | ~75 kg | Launch planned end 2022 | Sitael, Italy |
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IODA |
Multi-mission platform adaptation | Airbus, France | ||
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SAAS |
Aviation, maritime and data services | 3 to 6U | 16 launched in 2018 to 2021 3 to be launched in 2022 | Spire Global, UK |
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Faraday 2G |
IOV service | ~50 to 150 kg | 6U launched in 2021 Microsats to be launched in 2023 | In-Space Missions, UK |
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xSPANCION |
Machine to machine and Internet of Things service | 12 U | 2 planned in 2023 | AAC Clyde Space, UK |
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Edison** |
Optical space to ground service | 6U | 1 planned in 2023 (** Pioneer like ARTES CC) |
Six companies are currently signed up to Pioneer as SMPs, working to develop their infrastructure for in-orbit demonstration and other services provision.
A seventh company, Space Inventor, based in Denmark, is providing a similar service – on a smaller-scale “project Edison” for now.
News and Events
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Beam-hopping JoeySat ready for launch
An advanced broadband satellite that will provide high-speed internet connectivity from low Earth orbit has left OneWeb Florida facilities for Vandenberg launch pad.
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Beam-hopping JoeySat has shipped
An advanced broadband satellite that can offer high-speed internet connectivity anywhere on Earth is ready to enter its final assembly ahead of launch.
The beam-hopping satellite – nicknamed JoeySat after a baby kangaroo – will be used to…
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First small geostationary HummingSat sold
Satellite operator Intelsat has placed an order for the first small geostationary “HummingSat” developed as part of ESA’s efforts to support fast, dynamic and agile private space firms in Europe.
The first HummingSat – which will be called…
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Reprogrammable OneSat on track for success
The OneSat family of geostationary software-defined telecommunications satellites has passed successfully its first qualification review. The first part of the OneSat qualification review has successfully demonstrated the maturity of the various…
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First Eurostar Neo satellite launched
The first satellite to be built under ESA’s Eurostar Neo programme has launched.
The satellite – called Eutelsat Hotbird 13F – was developed and built by satellite manufacturer Airbus for satellite operator Eutelsat. It is based on the…
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First Eurostar Neo satellite ready to ship
The first satellite to be built under ESA’s Eurostar Neo programme stands ready to be shipped to its launch site.
The satellite – called Eutelsat Hotbird 13F – is one of an identical pair developed by satellite manufacturer Airbus for…
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Europe’s tallest ever communications satellite launched
The fourth Spacebus Neo satellite to benefit from ESA’s Neosat programme has launched into space on board the second Ariane 5 launch mission of 2022.
The 8.9 metre, three-storeys-high communications satellite – which will deliver high-…
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Software-defined satellite enters commercial service
Europe’s first commercial satellite capable of being completely reprogrammed while in space is now in commercial use. Satellite operator Eutelsat has sold six of its eight beams – used for data and mobile communications – to organisations…
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Small geostationary satellite named HummingSat passes milestone review
An innovative small-sized satellite product line for geostationary telecommunications has passed its ESA system requirements review and received its official name of “HummingSat”.
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Innovative data satellite enters commercial service
A large data-driven telecommunications satellite that uses innovative technology to keep cool as well as other innovations – developed under an ESA Partnership Project – has started its commercial service.
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First Eurostar Neo satellite passes mechanical tests
The first satellite to be built under ESA’s Eurostar Neo programme has completed mechanical tests designed to demonstrate its ability to withstand the vibration that occurs during launch.
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First Eurostar Neo Completes Thermal Vacuum Test Campaign
The first Eurostar Neo spacecraft, developed by Airbus Defence and Space as part of ESA’s Neosat Partnership Project, has successfully completed its Thermal Vacuum Test Campaign.
Directorate of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications
Directorate of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications
ECSAT
Directorate of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications
ESTEC