This study aims to fill gaps in our understanding of the usability, sustainable business models, quality, and other costs and benefits in relation to Free/Libre/Open Source Software (FLOSS). Through the use of empirical study, forecasting techniques and a variety of data sources on FLOSS, industrial software, the aerospace sector, ICT, innovation and economic impact in the EU and the rest of the world.

The purpose of this study is to analyse the lessons learnt, the overall (also outside the space industry) trends and representative practices and business models (including those successfully applied today by industry) regarding the use of Open Source Software (OSS) for space projects.

The study will also analyse the need for an overall catalogue of evaluation criteria for OSS and quality control mechanism, as well as supervisory and maintenance strategy and a sensitivity analysis in the procurement of software in view of possible technology strategy and security aspects.

This study will provide a single-point integrative analysis of the vast amount of data already gathered on the technical and economic impact of the intersection of FLOSS, ICT industries and the economy at large, interpreted with the specific perspective of the space sector. The project will provide a structured platform for integrating the wealth of evidence available as well as an orderly basis for collecting additional empirical evidence as may be required in order to meet the goals of the ESA in commissioning this study. Furthermore, the project will make forecasts under multiple scenarios, and provide a range of recommendations allowing evidence based decisions to be made.