ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11101
Open Date: 16/02/2022 12:46 CEST
Closing Date: 13/04/2022 13:00 CEST

The aim of this Technology Development Element (TDE) activity is to carry out a review of state-of-art cathode technologies and materials, and to design a very long life neutraliser suitable for electric propulsion subsystems for future exploration missions, reaching a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4. The main objectives are to:-review existing cathodes technologies; -survey cathode technologies, with an aim to identify one or more that could improve lifetime beyond the state-of-art for 1.5kW-class thruster application; -define cathode requirements; -establish the baseline design of a cathode in accordance with the requirements, performing the necessary analyses and tests to support the justification of predicted performances; in particular, identify ageing mechanisms and assess the lifetime potential of the cathode; -carry out a preliminary verification of the cathode’s lifetime potential through a combination of test and analysis;-define a development plan for the cathode until qualification.Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to this link.

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Rudolfo Almeida
Initiating Service: TEC-MPE
IP Measure: C1
Prog. Reference: E/0901-01 – Technology Developme
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+EL+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 19-B-I-Electrostatic Systems
Products Keywords: 2-K-3-a-Electrostatic Propulsion Systems / 2-K-3.1-c-Thruster module (Plasma/Ion Thrusters), Xenon Flow Control Unit,… *For Thruster Pointing See Mechanisms