ESA Open Invitation To Tender AO8461
Open Date: 28/09/2015
Closing Date: 13/11/2015

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 15.197.13
Prog. Ref.: NMS – Poland
Budget Ref.: E/0907-06 – NMS – Poland
Special Prov.: PL
Tender Type: C
Price Range: 100-200 KEURO
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of Technical & Quality Manag
Department: Mechanical Engineering Department
Division: Structure and Mechanisms Division
Contract Officer: Binedell, Carla
Last Update Date: 28/09/2015
Update Reason: Tender issue

The increasing presence of space debris not only poses hazards to current and future satellite missions but also to public safety and properties on-ground, in particular in occurrence of spacecraft atmospheric re-entry events. ESA is devoting increased attention to the environmental impacts of its space programmes and is undertaking a leading role in the establishment of space debris mitigation strategies and requirements. The results of several spacecraft re-entry simulations as well as the recovery of large tank debris on ground indicate that propellant tanks do not demise during the atmospheric re-entry phase, therefore representing a significant fraction of the space debris reaching ground and significantly contributing to the casualty risk. The current state-of-the art design of propellant tanks is largely based on Titanium alloys, which are typically employed due to good mechanical properties and excellent compatibility with standard propellants. However, the high melting temperatures and large heat of ablation of such alloys make them questionable from a design-for-demise perspective. This is further enhancing the need for alternative materials for use on propellant tanks. The development of a demiseable tank is seen as an important technological advancement in support to future ESA missions. There is currently a window of opportunity for Polish industry related to demisable propellant tanks. This initial activity will encompass the following: – Evaluation of the state of the art in satellite propellant tanks; – Concept design of a demisable propellant tank; – Identify the competences and capacity in Poland for the development and production of demisable propellant tanks, or parts of them, as integral part of European space supply chain.

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