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EPN2020-RI · Project

Europe's Planetary Science Labs and Data Open for Space Industry Use

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europlanet-2020-ri.eu

Imagine you want to test whether a material can survive the surface of Mars, or you need detailed maps of a moon of Jupiter — but building your own lab or satellite is out of the question. This project opened the doors to 39 world-class planetary science facilities across 20 countries, letting anyone from researchers to space companies walk in and use them. They also built online tools to browse and compare massive datasets about planets, moons, and asteroids — think Google Maps but for the Solar System. It ran from 2015 to 2019 with nearly EUR 10 million in EU funding.

By the numbers
EUR 9,945,361
EU contribution to planetary science infrastructure
39
Partner institutions across the network
20
Countries represented in the consortium
129
Total project deliverables produced
3
SMEs participating in the consortium
The business problem

What needed solving

Companies developing space hardware, planetary instruments, or satellite services need to test their products under realistic extraterrestrial conditions — but building dedicated planetary simulation facilities is prohibitively expensive. Similarly, firms working with geospatial or remote sensing data lack easy access to validated planetary datasets and comparison tools. This project addressed both gaps by networking existing European facilities and building shared data platforms.

The solution

What was built

The project produced 129 deliverables including a Planetary Space Weather Service (PSWS) prototype for monitoring space weather conditions, a VO-GIS interface connecting ESA's Planetary Science Archive with standard GIS tools, an upgraded VESPA platform for querying multiple planetary data services simultaneously, and pilot outreach tools for public engagement with planetary science.

Audience

Who needs this

Space hardware and instrument manufacturers testing equipment for planetary missionsSatellite operators needing space weather prediction servicesGIS and remote sensing companies expanding into planetary or asteroid dataMining exploration firms interested in asteroid or lunar resource assessmentScience museums and EdTech companies creating space-themed experiences
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Space technology and satellite services
SME
Target: Companies developing instruments, rovers, or materials for planetary missions

If you are a space technology firm designing hardware for Mars or lunar missions — this project provided open access to laboratory facilities that simulate planetary surface conditions (temperature, pressure, radiation, dust). Instead of building your own simulation chamber, you could test materials and instruments under realistic extraterrestrial conditions across a network of 39 partner facilities in 20 countries.

Geospatial data and analytics
any
Target: GIS companies processing remote sensing or geological survey data

If you are a geospatial analytics company working with satellite imagery or geological datasets — this project built a VO-GIS interface that connects planetary image archives with standard GIS tools. The VESPA platform lets users query and visualize data from multiple planetary science services in one place, which could be adapted for Earth-observation or mining exploration workflows.

Science communication and education technology
SME
Target: EdTech companies or science museums creating space-related content

If you are an education or media company creating space-themed content — this project developed pilot outreach tools specifically designed to engage the public and students with planetary science. With 129 deliverables covering everything from space weather to astrobiology, there is a deep library of validated scientific content and visualization tools that could power exhibits, apps, or curricula.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How much would it cost to access these planetary simulation facilities?

The project provided transnational access — meaning qualified users could access facilities for free during the project period (2015-2019). Since the project is now closed, access terms depend on individual facility operators. Based on available project data, no commercial pricing model was published.

Can these tools and datasets scale for commercial use?

The VESPA platform and VO-GIS interface were designed to handle queries across multiple planetary data services simultaneously, which suggests reasonable scalability. However, these tools were built for the research community, not commercial throughput. Adapting them for industrial-scale use would likely require additional engineering.

What is the IP situation — can I license any of these tools?

Based on available project data, the infrastructure was funded as a Research and Innovation Action (RIA) under Horizon 2020, which generally means results are openly accessible. The VESPA interface and PSWS prototypes were developed as open research tools. Specific licensing terms would need to be discussed with the coordinator, The Open University (UK).

Is the infrastructure still operational after the project ended in 2019?

The project built on previous FP6 and FP7 Europlanet programmes, suggesting institutional continuity. The project website (europlanet-2020-ri.eu) and the underlying facilities at 39 partner institutions likely continue to operate independently. A successor programme may exist under Horizon Europe.

What kind of planetary conditions can be simulated in these labs?

The project provided access to laboratories simulating conditions found on planetary bodies — this includes surface environments of Mars, Europa (Jupiter's moon), and Titan (Saturn's moon). They also maintained analogue field sites that replicate terrain and geological features of these bodies for testing equipment and methods.

How does this connect to the commercial space sector?

The consortium included 2 industry partners and 3 SMEs out of 39 total partners (5% industry ratio). The project explicitly listed industry as a target for dissemination. Space weather prediction tools (PSWS prototype) have direct relevance for satellite operators and launch planning.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a massive research infrastructure consortium — 39 partners across 20 countries — dominated by universities (20) and research organizations (13). Only 2 industry partners and 3 SMEs participated, giving a 5% industry ratio. This signals a project built by and for the research community, not the commercial market. The coordinator is The Open University in the UK, a well-known institution for planetary science. For a business looking to engage, the pathway runs through academic gatekeepers rather than commercial partners. The breadth across 20 countries means facilities are geographically distributed, which could be convenient for European companies needing local access to specialized labs.

How to reach the team

The Open University, United Kingdom — a leading UK university with strong planetary science and space research departments

Order a report on this consortiumSee THE OPEN UNIVERSITY profile →
Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to access planetary simulation labs or space weather data for your business? SciTransfer can connect you with the right facility in the Europlanet network — contact us for a tailored introduction.

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