ESROCOS · Project

Open-Source Operating System That Makes Space Robots Reliable and Vendor-Independent

digitalTestedTRL 5

h2020-esrocos.eu

Imagine you want to build a robot for a space mission — maybe to fix a satellite or explore a planet. Right now, you either pay through the nose for proprietary software that locks you into one vendor, or you use free tools designed for Earth robots that simply aren't reliable enough for space. ESROCOS built an open-source operating system specifically for space robots, with the kind of safety and reliability guarantees that space missions demand. Think of it as the Android for space robotics — free to use, built to survive the harshest conditions, and compatible with existing robot programming tools like ROS.

By the numbers

consortium partners across Europe

countries represented in the consortium

total project deliverables produced

iterative software versions delivered (V0-V4)

36%

industry participation ratio in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Companies building space robots face a costly dilemma: either pay for proprietary control software (like VxWorks or PikeOS) that creates permanent vendor dependency, or use free terrestrial robotics tools that lack the safety and reliability guarantees required for space missions. There is no open, space-qualified middle ground — forcing every space robotics project to reinvent the wheel or accept lock-in.

The solution

What was built

ESROCOS delivered an open-source robot control operating system with two main components: RDEV (the development environment) and RCOS (the target runtime), each iterated through 5 versions (V0-V4) across 27 total deliverables. The system includes formal verification, space-grade RAMS properties, time and space partitioning, and interoperability with ROS and Rock robotics tools.

Audience

Who needs this

Space robotics companies building on-orbit servicing or debris removal systemsAerospace defense contractors integrating autonomous robots into missionsSatellite manufacturers adding robotic capabilities to spacecraftNational space agencies developing planetary exploration roversRobotics software companies seeking to enter the space market

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Space Robotics & Satellite Servicing

enterprise

Target: Companies developing on-orbit servicing, debris removal, or planetary exploration robots

If you are a space robotics company dealing with expensive proprietary control software that locks you into a single vendor — ESROCOS developed an open-source robot control operating system with space-grade reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety properties. It went through 5 development iterations (V0 to V4) with an 11-partner consortium across 7 countries, and integrates with existing tools like ROS and Rock.

Defense & Aerospace Systems

enterprise

Target: Aerospace primes and defense contractors integrating robotics into missions

If you are a defense or aerospace contractor needing certified, formally verified robot control software for mission-critical applications — ESROCOS delivers time and space partitioning for complex robotics applications with formal verification built in. The system separates the software model from the hardware platform, letting you deploy the same control logic across different robot architectures without rewriting code.

Industrial Robotics Software

mid-size

Target: Robot software companies looking to enter the space market

If you are a robotics software company wanting to expand into the space sector but facing the high barrier of space-grade qualification — ESROCOS provides an open-source foundation that bridges terrestrial and space robotics. It is interoperable with Rock and ROS libraries and visualizers, so your existing expertise transfers directly while gaining the safety properties space missions require.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does it cost to use ESROCOS?

ESROCOS was designed and delivered as an open-source solution specifically to avoid vendor lock-in. The source code and binaries (both the development environment RDEV and the target runtime RCOS) are available through the project. Licensing terms for commercial space missions should be confirmed with the coordinator GMV Aerospace and Defence.

Can this run real space missions or is it still a lab experiment?

The project delivered 5 iterative versions (V0 through V4) of both the development environment and the target runtime, totaling 27 deliverables across a 26-month project. The system includes formal verification and space-grade RAMS properties. Based on available project data, this was designed to elevate TRL levels efficiently, though actual flight qualification would require mission-specific certification.

Who owns the intellectual property?

ESROCOS was explicitly built as an open-source solution to eliminate vendor lock-in from proprietary systems like VxWorks or PikeOS. The IP model is designed to let both research labs and industry use the system freely. Specific licensing details should be confirmed with the consortium led by GMV Aerospace and Defence in Spain.

Does it work with our existing robot software tools?

Yes — interoperability was a core design goal. ESROCOS integrates with Rock and ROS third-party libraries, visualizers, and simulators. The architecture separates the control model from the platform, so existing robotics applications can be ported to the space-grade runtime without starting from scratch.

What safety certifications does it support?

ESROCOS was built with space-grade Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS) properties, formal verification, and qualification of industrial drivers. It uses time and space partitioning to safely run complex robotics applications. Specific certification levels depend on the target mission and should be discussed with the consortium.

How mature is the development environment?

The project delivered 10 demo packages: 5 versions of the RDEV development environment (V0-V4) and 5 versions of the RCOS target runtime (V0-V4). This iterative delivery across 27 total deliverables shows a systematic build-up from initial architecture to a complete, tested system.

Consortium

Who built it

The ESROCOS consortium brings together 11 partners from 7 European countries, led by GMV Aerospace and Defence — one of Europe's leading space technology companies headquartered in Spain. With 4 industry partners (36% ratio), 3 universities, and 4 research organizations, the consortium balances practical engineering with academic rigor. The presence of only 1 SME suggests this is enterprise-grade technology aimed at established space players. The geographic spread across Belgium, Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Portugal, and the UK covers most of Europe's major space industry hubs, which strengthens the system's relevance across ESA member states and the broader European space robotics supply chain.

GMV AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE SACoordinator · ES
INTERMODALICS BVBAparticipant · BE
GMVIS SKYSOFT SAparticipant · PT
TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OYparticipant · FI
INSTITUT SUPERIEUR DE L'AERONAUTIQUE ET DE L'ESPACEparticipant · FR
DEUTSCHES FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUR KUNSTLICHE INTELLIGENZ GMBHparticipant · DE
DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EVparticipant · DE
UNIVERSITE GRENOBLE ALPESparticipant · FR
CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRSthirdparty · FR
KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVENparticipant · BE
AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE LTDparticipant · UK

How to reach the team

GMV Aerospace and Defence SA is a major Spanish space company — their robotics division in Madrid handles ESROCOS inquiries.

Order a report on this consortium See GMV AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE SA profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to evaluate ESROCOS for your space robotics mission? SciTransfer can arrange a technical briefing with the development team and help assess fit for your specific application.

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