Germany runs targeted funding calls under the "Raumfahrtforschungsprogramm", specifically encouraging collaborative R&D consortia between large companies, SMEs, and research institutions. These programs support the development of access to space capabilities, such as microlaunchers and in-orbit services (e.g., through the Microlauncher Competition and related calls). Funding is designed not just for research, but for scaling commercial capabilities, promoting the competitiveness of German space companies.

Prerequisites:

• Identify key stakeholders such as the government, industry, and academia, and build relationships with them.

• Encourage involvement in the consortium.

• National space policy/strategy with clear lead agency and budget line

• Access to technical/business experts to support private entities applying for funding

• Lead agency & budget

• Procurement pathway

• Partner support as needed

Cost:

• Ballpark: USD 50k–250k (does not include cost for the fund)

• Includes: partnership setup, fund design and governance, technical assistance, monitoring & evaluation, administrative support. 

Timeframe:

• Overall: 12-60 months

• Phase: fund design (6-12 months), funding round(s) (6 - 48 months), pptional evaluation & scale-up (6 - 12 months)

Pros:

• Financial Burden Reduction – Reduces individual financial burdens, making large-scale projects more feasible.

• Market Access – Provides access to new markets and opportunities through shared networks and partnerships within a consortium.

Considerations:

• Governance Challenge – Manages and coordinates multiple stakeholders with different objectives and priorities, which can be challenging and may require robust governance and operating structures.

• Long R&D Timelines – Involves extended timelines for Access to Space R&D projects, which can challenge organisations seeking quick returns on investment.

Additional source: https://www.dlr.de/en/latest/news/2021/04/20211213_microlauncher-competition-first-payload-winners-chosen