Since 2010, BASS has helped companies deliver space-based services and products through more than 1,000 studies and 750 projects. Today, as an element of the new ACCESS programme, ESA BASS continues to support the competitiveness of European businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, helping them to launch and nurture commercially viable innovative products and services using space technologies, assets or data.
The core aim of BASS is to accelerate the transformation of innovative ideas into viable market-ready space-based services and applications that deliver measurable socio-economic impacts. BASS de-risks technical and commercial risks and shortens the path from concept to market – ultimately contributing to societal priorities such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Europe’s green transition.
How does BASS support businesses?
Helping to create the conditions for commercial success and to position space as a driver for innovation, competitiveness and lasting value for society, BASS supports entrepreneurs to achieve these outcomes with:
- zero-equity funding
- technical and business expertise
- ESA branding
- connections with customers, investors and partners
The support is delivered through funding activities tailored to the development stage of the company, ranging from business de-risking to development, piloting and commercial launch of space-based applications and services, and finally growth into secondary markets.
BASS comprises of two key elements, Business Applications, offering a wide range of funding opportunities, and Business Ambassadors who support and attract new players in the European space ecosystem.
BASS impact
Read the Societal Dossier
Read the Green Dossier
Read the Energy Dossier
Read the Agriculture Dossier
Focus areas
BASS supports European businesses across all sectors, with a focus on several areas ranging from finance, health and drone defence to smart cities and the bioeconomy. Explore some of these focus areas further: