ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-10787
Open Date: 07/10/2021 14:32 CEST
Closing Date: 19/11/2021 13:00 CEST

For the Earth Observation missions like LOCUS where Supra-THz channels are considered, calibrations targets are required in order to achieve the proper calibration of the instrument. Up to now single tensioned mechanism with pyramidal black target illuminated via a parabolic 90deg off-axis mirror has been considered. This parabolic mirror preferred to a flat one for coupling to the target as this allows to uniform illuminate the target (averaging over the target temperature variations and absorption efficiency – in geometrical terms). The main limitations in terms of accuracy come from the design considerations like the behavior of the pyramidal folds rather than local temperature gradients. Errors in brightness temperature will arise from material thermal properties and surface reflection and mixer feedhorn sidelobes.In order to improve the accuracy more advance calibration targets, with novel materials and temperature stabilization and detailed physical optic simulations shall be performed. This activity will start with a critical look at the requirements of the LOCUS mission and in particular the calibration of the Supra-THz channels. A preliminary design of the warm calibration target shall be performed considering novel materials and different calibration schemes. The critical components will be identified and critical breadboarding activities carried out. Using these results, a detailed design will be performed, followed by the building of the calibration target and integration into the Supra-THz channel. A full test campaign will be performed and conclusions drawn. A development plan will be established to bring the technology to flight readiness.This activity encompasses the following tasks:- Requirements review- Preliminary design and Critical breadboarding- Detailed design- Manufacturing, Integration and testing- Conclusions and development planProcurement Policy: C(2) = A relevant participation (in terms of quality and quantity) of non-primes (incl. SMEs) is required. 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: Anze Singer
Initiating Service: TEC-EFA
IP Measure: C2
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: 7-A-V-Measurement, Characterisation and Calibration Techniques for Radiative Payloads and Antennas
Products Keywords: 2-I-2-a-Telescopes / 2-L-1.1-d-Other