ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11161
Open Date: 01/02/2022 15:46 CEST
Closing Date: 16/03/2022 13:00 CEST

Such arrays will be operating in a reduced Martian or lunar gravitational environment in the case of a lander, and will be subjected to the additional dynamic loading of motion in the case of a rover. These arrays consequently require enhanced strength and stiffness, while still being capable of compact stowage during flight.Concepts, incorporating pretensioned flexible blankets, shall be investigated, together with a means of deployment. In this way, the latest developments in flexible blankets and thin flexible cells, aimed primarily at GEO telecommunication satellites, can be fully exploited.The activity encompasses the following tasks:- Investigation of different deployment schemes (e.g. support booms/masts, foldable spokes).- First assessment of dust accumulation and possible means of removal.- Preliminary design of solar array concept, primarily solar array structure and deployment mechanisms.- Analytical prediction of electrical performance, both at Beginning of Life (BOL) and End of Life (EOL).- Performing mechanical analyses, in order to assess required pretension, strength, stiffness and deployment dynamics.- Deriving estimates of mass and inertia.- Designing, manufacturing and testing of breadboard models, in order to verify the preliminary feasibility of the solar array concept(i.e. deployment concept). Only inertial representation of Photo Voltaic Array is required (e.g. dummy cells).

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Franziska Isabella Erkelens-Sickinger
Initiating Service: TEC-EPG
IP Measure: N/A
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: 20-C-I-Design and Verification Technologies / 20-C-II-Structural Material Concepts / 20-C-III-Joining Technologies
Products Keywords: 2-D-1-a-Deployment (SADM, SADE,…) / 2-D-1-b-Hold Down and Release / 2-J-1.1-b-Structural/mechanical (rigid honeycomb panels, flexible blankets,…)