SpacEAAL: Space Electro Active Layer: a novel adaptive electro-adhesive device for versatile grasping of objects in space for in-orbit servicing, docking and active debris removalbroad
SpacEAAL · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-07-01–2028-06-30
EC contribution
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Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02 · scheme HORIZON-EIC-ACC · topic HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02-CHALLENGES-04. CORDIS record →
Objective
AdapTronics, a spin-off from the University of Bologna, develops and commercializes electro-adhesive robotic gripper interfaces enabling the versatile grasping of any object. Its proprietary Electro Active Adhesive Layer (EAAL) is a printed thin-film that generates controllable electrostatic adhesion on objects of any shape or material, while embedding AI-powered sensing for contact validation and safe force feedback.For space, AdapTronics is advancing the SpacEAAL Powered Gripping Systems (PGS): a family of products based on a space-qualified EAAL, designed to revoluzionize in-orbit servicing, docking, debris removal, and Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPOs). Unlike today’s bulky, mission-specific docking mechanisms, electromagnets, or mechanical systems, SpacEAAL-PGS offers a lightweight, low-power, and versatile robotic solution able to grasp both cooperative and non-cooperative targets, including tumbling debris.The project aims to accelerate this breakthrough, now at TRL 6, through an In-Orbit Validation (IOV) mission. The demonstration will validate SpacEAAL-PGS’s ability to capture and manipulate objects in realistic conditions, with support from 15+ customers already signing LOIs. This flight heritage will raise the system to TRL 9, de-risk adoption, and position it as a cornerstone for In-Orbit Servicing (IOS), Active Debris Removal (ADR), and In-Orbit Manufacturing (IOM).With over 14k tonnes of orbital objects and more than 38k satellites expected by 2033, the EU faces rising risks of congestion, collisions, and asset loss. SpacEAAL-PGS directly addresses the EIC Accelerator Challenge on Innovative In-Space Servicing, Operations, Robotics and Technologies for Resilient EU Space Infrastructure by enabling repair, reconfiguration, debris capture, and resilient satellite operations. Developed entirely in the EU and backed by ESA and key partners, SpacEAAL-PGS strengthens Europe’s strategic autonomy while targeting the IOS/ADR/IOM
Beneficiaries (1)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AdapTronics SRL | IT | coordinator | €2,499,999 | Yes |
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