RATIO-SIM 2025
The RATIO-SIM initiative has achieved significant milestones in 2025, advancing the state of simulation technologies within the European space sector. Key highlights from the year include:
SMP Working Group
The first issue of ECSS-E-ST-40-08C - Simulation modelling platform - Level 2 (5 August 2025) was published on 5 August 2025, together with ECSS-E-ST-40-07C Rev.1 - Simulation modelling platform - Level 1 (5 August 2025). The SMP Working Group is now planning the next activities to be performed. A shortlist of potential follow-up activities was prepared and discussed. Most of the activities were agreed to be of high priority and of interest to the stakeholders, but the exact scope of the work and the technical objectives are to still to be elaborated and agreed.
Next Steps
- The Working Group will need to elaborate and agree on the scope and objectives of the SMP follow-up activities. Action on the Working Group convenors to initiate the discussions.
- parallel, ESA will investigate the possibilities for funding support activities in relation to these Working Group activities.
Simulator Architecture Working Group
URSA will be considered in the next ESA Planetary Defence mission RAMSES and allow SpaceBel and GMV to collect practical feedback on the intentiation of this architecture.
Next Steps
- ESTEC and ESOC to coordinate on the redaction of the governance of reference architecture URSA. Insights and lessons learned from ESOC on SIMULUS governance are foreseen to be very helpful.
Simulator Infrastructure Working Group
The positions of Simulator Infrastructure Working Group convenor and deputy-convenor are currently vacant. Anyone interested in these positions is invited to contact the RATIO-SIM Advisory Group. The next intended activity in the Working Group is on HLA and Co-Simulation Backbone. In support of this activity, Spacebel is in the process of proposing a GSTP activity, together with potential other partners / Member States.
Next Steps
- Spacebel to follow-up on the GSTP proposal for HLA and Co-Simulation Backbone activity.
On-Board Computers Emulators and Simulators Working Group
This Working Group has a few options to pick from:
- OSIP call can be defined with the group, a better definition of the envisaged activities will strengthen the credibility of the call. This can also allow RATIO-SIM to map additional EU companies addressing the emulator challenge call.
- A non-normative document will also be of great strategic EU interest. Support from Research Fellow in ESOC is identified as a very promising lead in this coordination effort.
Next Steps
- Prioritise the options presented above.
- Coordinate with ESOC to organise the redaction of the non-normative document on emulators (a white paper or Technical Memorendum).
Digital Twins & Advanced Simulation Concepts Working Group
A significant number of activities have been published for Digital Twins development at ESOC in the GSTP Compendia 2026 - 2028. A great opportunity for the EU simulation industry and bridging to another attractive technology expertise i.e. AI are envisaged.
Next Steps
- RATIO-SIM Working Group to promote the GSTP Digital Twins activities.