GSTP Element 3: Fly
Sometimes the only way to fully demonstrate whether or not a technology works in space is to test it in space by flying it on a satellite mission, called flight heritage. Element 3 exists to support this in-orbit demonstration (IOD) of new technologies, as well as for the preparation of future missions. It can also support the execution of small missions.
Activities under Element 3 aim to:
- implement in orbit demonstration of technologies, either as products in need of acquiring flight heritage, hosted payloads (including using ISS platforms), cubesats, or complete small missions
- conduct investigations and studies to prepare for future missions, in particular breakthrough and new generation types of missions
- perform ad hoc small missions including any related enabling developments.
There are three main ways to implement of ideas and proposals for in-orbit demonstration/validation, detailed below.
Element 3 works at a higher TRL (7-8) than the other GSTP Elements.
The flight opportunities that are identified for Element 3 are decided in conjunction with ESA projects and launchers as well as with national agencies and commercial missions.
![RACE double CubeSat mission](/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2019/06/race_double_cubesat_mission/19426407-1-eng-GB/RACE_double_CubeSat_mission_article.png)
Element 3 Frameworks
Technology Flight Opportunities (TFO)
- The Technology Flight Opportunities Framework is mainly used for accommodation and Phase A studies but can also host in-orbit validation of products and payloads using either a service contract or ISS platforms.
Cubesat framework
- The Cubesat framework is mainly used for conducting full Cubesat missions – from the study phase all the way through to commissioning.
GSTP fly main element
- This is the placeholder for small satellites and in-orbit demonstrations that are not Cubesat related.
- It also includes all the mission phases from definition to launch and commissioning.