There is some evidence of the ERC funding space research- for example, it has funded: - Colin's was supported for two Advanced Grants: one in 2020 to [using orbital solar reflectors to enhance Global Clean Energy Services](https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/883730) and before that in [2009](https://erc.europa.eu/projects-figures/stories/exploring-potential-new-orbits-future-space-services) for [VISIONSPACE](https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/227571) - Colin then had a student, Camilla Colombo who got a [consolidator grant](https://www.compass.polimi.it/news/prof-camilla-colombo-wins-erc-cog-grant-with-green-species-project/) in 2023 titled "GREEN SPECIES: Robust control of the space debris population to define optimal policies and an economic revenue model for sustainable development of space activities”. - Camilla also got a starting grant called COMPASS