Open Call for Ideas for New Data Products, Tools and Services for Swarm
Swarm DISC (the ESA-funded Swarm Data, Innovation, and Science Cluster, comprising 36 partners from Europe, Canada and the US) invites ideas for new data products, tools, and services that enhance the scientific output of ESA's Swarm satellite constellation. This call places special emphasis on "multi-mission" products derived from joint analysis of Swarm data with other satellite and/or ground data.
The three Swarm satellites Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie have now provided 13 years of data on Earth's geomagnetic field, the associated plasma environment, and other geophysical quantities. Ideas from previous calls have resulted in 19 projects procured through open Invitations to Tender (ITTs) since 2016, as well as recommendations to national institutions, other ESA work programmes, pre-studies, and workshops.
We welcome ideas for products, tools, and services supporting basic scientific research, including those that may need a preliminary feasibility study. Novel approaches to Swarm-related research problems are encouraged, though the call does not target research itself.
Presently most Swarm products are derived from single-satellite sources (e.g., TEC products calculated separately for Swarm, CHAMP, GOCE, GRACE, and GRACE-FO). This call encourages ideas that go beyond this by combining Swarm data with data from other satellites and/or ground-based measurements to support Swarm-based science.
More on the Swarm mission: https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/swarm/description
New products may become part of the Swarm data distribution chain (https://swarm-diss.eo.esa.int/) and VirES for Swarm (http://vires.services/), both freely available. See also the Data Access page (https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/swarm/data) and the Swarm Data Handbook (https://swarmhandbook.earth.esa.int/).
How to apply: Submit ideas by 4 November 2026 via email to Swarm_DISC_CallForIdeas@space.dtu.dk, using the proposal template [available here].
The Swarm DISC Advisory Board will assess the scientific value and maturity of submissions and recommend selected ideas to Swarm DISC and ESA for further development through an open ITT process. ITTs are planned for publication in April 2027, with projects starting by end of 2027. Selected projects will receive implementation contracts (50 - 100 k€) managed by Swarm DISC under ESA supervision.
Note: Submission does not guarantee a contract will be awarded, and ITTs are open only to ESA Member and Associated States participating in the Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP).
Questions: Swarm_DISC_CallForIdeas@space.dtu.dk