Globalised markets, advancements in technology, and changes in the manufacturing have put at risk traditional crafts techniques, which are in danger of disappearing. HEPHAESTUS will map this important knowledge and know-how of ancient techniques and materials, digitalise craft heritage to restore historic artefacts, preserve it in open archives, and mobilise it to innovate craft processes. Our interdisciplinary consortium will conduct R&I activities through ethnographic research, design thinking, and speculative design to bring together cutting-edge technologies with craft processes to make this encounter socially, culturally, environmentally, and economically sustainable. We will create innovative forms of engagement with the public. HEPHAEUSTUS aims: (i) to revive and valorise traditional crafts by combining them with new and emerging cutting-edge technologies through innovative business models for craft sectors growth; (ii) to create a craft-technology driven methodology for bringing together traditional know-how with new cutting edge technologies, circular economy and New Bauhaus principles to innovate sustainably craft processes; (iii) to explore visions for the role of craft in the future, integrating emerging technologies and contributing to the circular economy, by engaging craft communities in a participatory ideation process; (iv) to set up a life-long learning methodology, develop courses, programs, curricula, entrepreneurial and organisational skill sets to create jobs and revive enterprises where tradition meets the future; (v) to establish the first pioneering “Future of Craft” living lab at Bornholm, an action-oriented think tank for circular craft-driven design innovation (vi) and to establish sustainable craft-technology relationships by connecting research and heritage sites, cultural and creative sectors, institutions, universities and other research institutions, regional and national authorities, enterprises and other relevant stakeholders.

The project consortium for HATCH comprises 4 SMEs and 1 high-profile technology centre. The aim of HATCH is to develop a scalable, contemporary, interactive and user-driven platform for promoting European space projects and related activities to professionals and citizens. It aims to overcome obstacles enabling researchers, innovators and other stakeholders to focus on achieving their objectives. This proposal answers the call requirements through 6 objectives, split into 8 Work Packages. HATCH will use modern solutions: comprehensive data analysis, proven methods and high standards for development and validation. The HATCH consortium has completed a preparatory study to identify groups of "User Persona" through sample surveys, interviews and secondary data analysis. As a result, the consortium has gained insight into stakeholders’ goals, needs and behaviour patterns to underpin the user-driven solution. The Portal’s visual layout will appeal to a wide range of users to showcase European research, encourage collaboration, form partnerships, analyse funding, commercialise results and generate interest in space exploration and science for all. Elastic search and bundle retrieval are some of the techniques to be used by an experienced team to deliver the best search functionality. Individuals will be able to create their own filters and save results to create research networks. Search engine optimisation tactics and an extensive communication/dissemination strategy will give visibility and awareness to all stakeholders making a strong base for the future. Consortium members are focused on maximising the impact of the project. 2 partners manage space-related online resources (on a smaller, regional/national scale). Another partner understands user requirements and the translation into solid activities within a webpage. 1 partner provides expertise on features such as user experience or data mining. 2 partners have experience in conducting projects in the space sector.

The consortium proposes to continue the activity started under COMPET-3-2016-a to develop, build and test to TRL6/7 the first European Plug and Play Gridded Ion Engine Standardised Electric Propul-sion Platform (GIESEPP) to operate ArianeGroup ion engines with option of alternative thrusters, for a medium power application. The consortium’s intention will be • to reach a TRL6/7 of the medium power system with at least partial qualification to allow flight readiness • to improve European competiveness in this field by + optimising industrialisation both on thruster unit and EPS level + increasing the GIE systems production capacities + significantly reducing the recurring costs • and to maintain and secure the European non-dependence on this crucial technological field. The project will significantly advance design and development of this standardised electric propulsion platform for GEO (and MEO) applications: - In order to cope with challenging mission scenarios, dual mode functionality of the thrusters will be realised. This ensures that the beneficial high ISP characteristics of Gridded Ion Engines are maintained, whilst also offering a competitive higher thrust mode - Activities will be covered not only by the competence of expersts in their respective fields but also by the use of advanced Engineering Models (EM), respectively Qualification Models (EQM) - The GIESEPP systems will not be limited to xenon as an operating medium; assessment will be performed to ensure functionality with alternative propellants - The proposal will describe the roadmap to higher TRL beyond 2023/2024, providing a cost competitive EPS that will meet the highest standards for an industrialised, rapid production process - The anticipated business case is targeted for long term exploitation up to 2030 strengthening Europe s technological and economical competitiveness in a very fast changing market environment

The objective of DEEP-PPU project is to develop and introduce to the market a disruptive Power Processing Unit (PPU) for Electrical Propulsion Gridded Ion Thrusters. This solution will stand out with its outstanding 40% mass and 35% volume reduction compared to the existing solutions on the market, while reducing the cost of the unit by a factor of two. The DEEP PPU project will strengthen the EU's space sector competitiveness in the international market, while securing the autonomy of supply for critical technologies and equipment. The target PPU will be achieved through the use ground-breaking technologies in space, namely Gallium Nitride semiconductors and Commercial Off-The-Shelf components, together with the implementation of custom design of power magnetics, the integration of the Radio Frequency Generation module and the synergies with previous developments in the frame of GIESEPP (Gridded Ion Engine Standardised Electric Propulsion Platforms). A multidisciplinary team of entities across Europe has been set, providing the right background and expertise to perform the required activities. The proposed PPU product fits the HORIZON-CL4-2022-SPACE-01-12 topic (Technologies and generic building blocks for Electrical Propulsion), specifically addressing the second area of this topic “R&I on electrical power architecture and related components (Power Processing Unit, direct drive, etc.)”.

SALTO will perform, for the first time in Europe, fly / recover / refly cycles of a reusable rocket first stage demonstrator. Operating a large-scale vehicle at low altitude, consistent with future European strategic needs, and embedding a set of critical technologies, the project will significantly boost the strategic launchers roadmap, enabling the vision of a future launch fleet improving by 50% space access costs and reducing environmental impacts. SALTO will hence act as a “stepping stone” towards reusability of strategic launchers in Europe which is one of the key leverages to reach such vision. Fully aligned with previous ESA-funded activities (e.g. Themis initial phase Program), SALTO focuses on - Technologies and building blocks maturation up to TRL5/6 for the first stage of a strategic launcher; - Subsystem/system tests with two low altitude system tests (“hop test”) campaigns. SALTO's methodology will combine robust system engineering with technology maturation activities and a stepped demonstration strategy to accelerate experimental learning through the implementation of the Agile methodology. The SALTO project will culminate in flight test campaigns to demonstrate and validate the technologies necessary for a reusable launch vehicle. SALTO will contribute to the cost reduction target for strategic launcher in Europe by addressing ~3/4 (in cost) of all technologies / operations involved in a future European reusable rocket stage. While Europe is currently lagging behind other global players when it comes to reusable launchers, SALTO will reinforce EU’s independent capacity to access space, secure autonomy of supply for critical technologies and equipment, and foster EU's space sector competitiveness. At the end of the project, lessons will be drawn regarding the maturity of the different technological bricks, TRL and readiness for flight tests. A roadmap to increase their maturity will be prepared in view of suborbital tests by 2025.