Earth science benefits tremendously from spaceborne synthetic aperture radar. By combining multiple images taken from different angles, we can create accurate digital elevation models and high-resolution tomograms that unveil the three-dimensional structure of vegetation, ice, and dry soil. Whereas today such images are acquired sequentially with conventional satellites, compromising product quality and hindering the monitoring of fast dynamics, DRITUCS envisions distributed sensor concepts to acquire all data in a single pass, paving the way for effective and powerful monitoring of our planet. We exploit clusters of smallsats and build high-quality products from noisy and undersampled data. This makes a key contribution to multi-dimensional imaging theory and represents a paradigm shift from state-of-the-art techniques that demand expensive, high-quality imagery to create digital elevation models and tomograms. Smallsats can be mass-manufactured and lead to low-cost solutions. They are a disruptive NewSpace technology that needs to be complemented by novel distributed approaches to replace and enhance large aperture, high power radar systems. We are pursuing three scientific paths to lay the foundations of a) distributed multi-baseline interferometry, b) distributed tomography, and c) multiple-input multiple-output tomography that takes advantage of waveform diversity to infer unique information about different scattering mechanisms in natural and man-made environments. The elaboration of theoretical models and the development of signal processing algorithms will be complemented by experimental demonstrations with drones. DRITUCS is a giant leap for radar remote sensing with a significant impact on numerous applications. It will pose the basis for future advanced Earth observation missions that will offer remarkable societal benefits and boost European capabilities in the emerging NewSpace sector.

OPeRATOR project will develop the capability to analyse a digitally operational, virtually integrated aircraft with respect to realistic operational scenarios. Systems and propulsion have become some of key contributors to meeting the Flight Path 2050 goals, introducing radically new approaches to aircraft design, the integration of new technologies and further optimization of aircraft operations. The key objective of OPeRATOR is to develop modelling and simulation technologies that enable virtual validation of such technologies under highly representative operation conditions. To this end, OPeRATOR will develop a Software library that is able to (1) make a virtually integrated aircraft model fly by appropriately integrating flight physical aspects, (2) virtually operate it in a realistically modelled environment and (3) to enable the analysis of over-all and individual system behaviour during user-specified virtual missions. The software library will be implemented in the Modelica language and capabilities

The second half of 2020 is a crucial time for Europe and the European Research Area. The new framework programme "Horizon Europe" will start in 2021 (though the start depends on an agreement of the multi annual financial framework, nevertheless, this agreement should be reached during the German presidency), and with it a new seven year span of the MSCA. Moreover, new initiatives in the European research and education landscape have just started with the "European Universities Initiative" probably as their most prominent one, and the European Research Area is at a turning point 20 years after its initiation. Thus, the German conference comes at the right time: We will focus on four major different aspects, with a mixture of MSCA speficics and the MSCA ambedded into greater political contexts. 1. MSCA Work Programme 2021-2022: At the date of the conference, the new work programme (or at least a well advanced draft of it) should be ready. The conference seems like the perfect occasion for the EC to present