ESA Preparation

The Discovery & Preparation elements of ESA's Discovery, Preparation and Technology Development (DPTD) activities carry out preparatory analysis and lay the groundwork for ESA’s short- to medium-term future activities.

Discovery & Preparation activities explore a wide diversity of topics that run across the entire spectrum of ESA’s focus areas. Each one typically lasts one to two years and the results are used by ESA and its Member States to make decisions about the implementation of new programmes and the future direction of space activities.

ESA Preparation performs mission feasibility studies that provide ESA Member States and the scientific community with the necessary information for the selection of new mission concepts, as well as for the approval and funding of new optional programmes. It also performs internal mission concept assessments via the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF).