Notice

ARTES 2026 ESA initiated ITTs — Applicant Guidance

Updated 19 February 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-national-delegate-support-for-the-advanced-technology-call/artes-2026-esa-initiated-itts-applicant-guidance

1. Purpose of the RFI

The UK Space Agency is inviting UK organisations to provide feedback on which ESA initiated ARTES ITT (Invitations to Tender) within the 2026 workplans should be prioritised for UK delegate support.

The aim is to ensure that the UK Space Agency’s selection process considers industry insight, commercial priorities, and strategic needs alongside internal analysis. This RFI is non‑binding. Submitting information does not guarantee support, funding, or authorisation.

2. Eligibility

This RFI is open to:

  • UK based companies
  • UK based academic institutions and research organisations
  • UK based public bodies

Respondents do not need to be committed to bidding; the purpose is to gather insight on national priorities.

3. Workplans covered by this RFI

This RFI covers ITTs within the following 2026 ARTES workplans:

Please note, you will need to log-in to ESA-Star to view the workplans and ITT details. If you are not logged in to ESA-Star when accessing the links, you will be directed to the log-on page. Once logged in, you will be able to access and download the workplans. We are unable to share the workplans directly with you.

4. How to complete the RFI

Respondents should complete the Microsoft Form here.

They should provide:

  • organisation and contact details
  • up to three priority ITTs, using the exact ESA‑Star reference and title
  • a rationale (max 250 words) for each ITT identified

The UK Space Agency does not accept attachments. This ensures a fair and proportionate process for all applicants.

Your rationale may reflect:

  • commercial potential and market opportunity
  • alignment with UK technology strengths
  • benefits for supply chains, exports, resilience, or capability development
  • fit with UK Government priorities (6G, AI, Quantum, Secure Comms, etc.)

5. How the UK Space Agency will use the responses

RFI responses will be combined with internal assessments to identify a shortlist of ITTs for UK delegate support. Key factors include:

  • long‑term economic growth potential
  • likelihood the activity supports new products, markets, or exportable capabilities
  • alignment with areas of sustainable competitive advantage for the UK
  • strategic relevance
  • relevance to national priorities such as AI, 6G, quantum technologies, or resilient/secure satellite communications
  • importance for the UK’s positioning within ESA and European initiatives
  • industry interest
  • strength, breadth, and consistency of responses across the sector

The UK Space Agency may also consider portfolio balance across the four workplans and the maturity/risk mix.

6. Timeline and next steps

  1. RFI opens: Monday 16 February
  2. RFI closes: Monday 16 March
  3. UK Space Agency review period: 16 March 2026 – 3 April 2026
  4. Final supported ITT list expected: Tuesday 7 April 2026, subject to internal governance

After analysing responses, the UK Space Agency will bring recommendations to the appropriate internal boards. Once endorsed, the final list of UK supported ITTs will be published on GOV.UK.

7. Data handling and compliance

Information submitted through this RFI will be:

  • used solely to inform selection of ITTs for UK delegate support
  • stored, accessed, and handled in line with UK Space Agency information management and data protection requirements
  • shared only within UK Space Agency teams involved in assessment and governance

8. Contact

For queries regarding this RFI: telecoms@ukspaceagency.gov.uk

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