ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11157
Open Date: 06/04/2022 11:16 CEST
Closing Date: 22/06/2022 13:00 CEST

Objective: To provide initial operational development support to optical ground stations (OGS) developed within the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) and the ESA nucleus ground station networks. Targeted Improvements: Tenfold increase in the operational readiness by optical and quantum communication ground stations. Description: Multiple European telescope sites have been identified to support ESA programs ScyLight, HydRON as well as the SAGA (EuroQCI). The telescopes are either newly developed or upgraded by the following sub-systems: Man-machine interface and telescope tracking software for spacecraft in LEO and beyond. Focal plane instrumentation, capable of detecting and high-speed centring of satellites visible by illumination from sunlight, or by their laser beams. Data reception according to the optical on-off keying (O3K) standard (in the optical C- and L-bands as implemented in CCSDS) and cyber-secure key reception via a separate quantum channel. Uplink beacon and data transmission according to the optical on-off keying (O3K) standard (at 1590 nm wavelength as implemented in CCSDS) and quantum key sifting via public optical channel. Transmitter and receiver alignment system.Eventually, all ground infrastructures will require autonomous operation to be economically viable. Interfaces and operational procedures will also have to be standardised. This requires initial operational support by the optical ground station responsible entity.

Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 100-200 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Adriana Lucas
Initiating Service: TIA-TO
IP Measure: N/A
Prog. Reference: E/0534-05A – OP-Other Act. Prod.
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CA+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EL+ES+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 16-C-VI-Optical Communications
Products Keywords: 4-A-2-e-Engineering Support (GS S/W dev. and maintenance,…)