PROSSE’s third edition focuses on Microgravity Research
The Portuguese Space Agency is launching a new edition of PROSSE (PROdex for Science in Space Exploration), this time focused on promoting scientific research in microgravity. The programme has up to 100,000 euros to fund new projects.
After receiving more than 20 applications in the first two years, the Portuguese Space Agency will launch on February 5th a new edition of PROSSE (PROdex for Science in Space Exploration), a funding programme dedicated to supporting scientific research projects in space exploration. PROSSE 2025 has up to 100,000 euros to promote research in microgravity environments. This year’s edition starts on February 5th with an online information session.
Created in the context of Portugal’s participation in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) PRODEX programme, PROSSE aims to fund scientific projects relevant to space exploration or other sectors of the economy and society. Initiatives can be carried out on terrestrial or suborbital infrastructures, including Space Rider and the International Space Station.
“The PROSSE Programme reinforces the Agency’s commitment to promoting national scientific and technological innovation, consolidating Portugal’s role in research in the field of space and encouraging the development of strategic partnerships in the sector,” says Joan Alabart, programme manager for Space Exploration and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
As was the case in previous years, the launch of PROSSE 2025 will be marked by an online seminar, which aims to increase the initiative’s visibility and stimulate the participation of the national ecosystem. “We want more and better applications, and we want to stimulate the participation of the national scientific community in activities related to space exploration, encouraging the creation of partnerships between academic institutions and companies working in this field,” explains Marta Gonçalves, programme manager for Scientific Programmes at the Portuguese Space Agency.
The session’s agenda includes presenting the results achieved in the PROSSE 2024 call, disseminating information on ESA’s PRODEX and SciSpacE programmes, and providing a detailed explanation of the requirements and deadlines associated with the 2025 call. The use of space analogues in Portugal will also be discussed, particularly the subsea mission developed by ESA in partnership with the Portuguese Navy.
Furthermore, representatives of the winning PROSSE 2024 projects will be in attendance: UNFORESEEN, from the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisbon), and ASTROPOWER, from the LIBPhys (Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics). The first one uses deep learning techniques to detect craters on the surface of Mars. At the same time, LIBPhys aims to study how to mitigate the loss of muscle power in astronauts through acoustic biofeedback techniques for myotatic tension. Both projects are currently under development.
In 2025, the submitted proposals will again be evaluated by a committee of international experts and ESA’s technical team, ensuring the scientific rigour and quality of the selected initiatives.
Applications for the 2025 edition open on 5 February, after the information session, for which registration is compulsory and can be done here.
