ESA Open Invitation to Tender AO9193
Open Date: 14/06/2018
Closing Date: 13/09/2018 13:00:00

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 16.1TT.30
Prog. Ref.: ARTES 5 Sub-El. 5.1
Budget Ref.: E/0505-01B – ARTES 5 Sub-El. 5.1
Special Prov.: BE+DK+FR+DE+IT+NL+ES+SE+CH+GB+IE+AT+NO+FI+PT+LU+CZ+RO+CA
Tender Type: C
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Products: Satellites & Probes / RF / Microwave Communication (Platform and Payloads) / “Communication – BB (Antennas excluded)” / Other
Techology Domains: RF Systems, Payloads and Technologies / Telecommunication Systems/Subsystems / Telecom Equipment
Establishment: ECSAT
Directorate: Directorate Telecom & Integrated Applica
Department: Telecom Technologies,Product&Systems Dep
Division: Future Projects Division
Contract Officer: Dean, Andrea
Industrial Policy Measure: N/A – Not apply
Last Update Date: 14/06/2018
Update Reason: Tender issue

Priority 2Objective: Develop a low-cost C-band inter-satellite link terminal for use between LEO and GEO satellites.Targeted Improvements: Proposed activity shall lead to a low cost inter-satellite link solution for satellite missions. The solution may benefitfrom existing – globally available – C-band GEO infrastructure.Description: The use of FSS C-band satellites for providing a low-date rate inter-satellite link between LEO to GEO has been considered by industry in ESA member states.The advantage of such an approach is the global availability of C-band, at moderate costs compared to e.g. L-band. Typically, rates of 10-20 kbps can be reached with limited RF power, for example using spread spectrum solutions. The required transceivers for such an application can be implemented using off -the-shelf software defined components, which are regularlyused in smaller satellites.The starting point for this development is the preliminary requirements for such a service as already considered by European industry. Regulatory wise, the concept is similar to the usage of L-band on LEO satellites.The activity shall consolidate requirements and operational concepts, specify the overall architecture, and develop and test the C-band terminal.The activity shall actively seek embarkation opportunities on future missions.Priority 2 activities will only be initiated on the explicit request of at least one delegation.

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