THE ESA ACCESS FUNDING PATHWAY
A single route to turn space capability into commercially viable services - with expert support at the APQ stage.
ACCESS IN A NUTSHELL
ACCESS is ESA’s new unified funding framework for businesses developing space-enabled services. Within
ACCESS sit two main pathways: BASS (Business Applications & Space Solutions) and ScaleUp.
We support businesses specifically through the BASS funding pathway, which covers feasibility studies and demonstration projects for commercially focused space applications.
Projects enter the ACCESS framework via an Application Proposal Questionnaire (APQ), which helps ESA assess the maturity, commercial potential and most appropriate next step - whether that is feasibility work, a pilot or a full demonstration.
Tin Rocket works with businesses at this APQ stage, helping shape and position BASS-aligned projects correctly from the outset so they enter the ACCESS framework on the right footing.
De-Risking Stage
Feasibility Studies
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Kick-starts
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Proof of Concept
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Enabling Studies
Implementation and Business Validation Stage
Demonstration Projects
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Pilots
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Growth Projects
BASS provides zero-equity funding and structured support to help businesses:
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Turn space data and technologies into viable commercial services
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Test and validate ideas before full market launch
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Pilot and demonstrate solutions with real users
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Build credible business models that attract further investment
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Deliver measurable socio-economic and sustainable impact
It is open to space and non-space organisations, including start-ups, SMEs, research institutes and established businesses, provided space capability plays a meaningful commercial role in the solution.
