BBC Science correspondent Jonathan Amos reports that the European Space Agency is starting what it expects to become a regular series of small science missions.
The first winning “S-Class” idea will receive 50 million euros (£42m) and will be readied for launch in 2017.
Prof Mark McCaughrean, head of ESA’s Research and Scientific Support Department is reported as saying:
“We want to hear from innovative people who’ve got a clever idea that doesn’t need a billion or half a billion euros, but can be done with a much smaller amount.”
Read the full BBC News story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17335339
Call for a Small mission opportunity in ESA’s Science Programme for a launch in 2017 http://sci.esa.int/2012-S-Call