ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11434
Open Date: 18/10/2022 15:15 CEST
Closing Date: 30/11/2022 13:00 CEST

The benefit of combining Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) with 5G terrestrial networks for positioning is widely studied and recognized. This is particularly true with 5G New Radio (NR) in mm-wave, thanks to its wide bandwidth signals which will be provided even to mobile handheld users. In addition, it is confirmed that 5G stakeholders will study the use of satellites for 5G systems (called Non-Terrestrial Networks, NTN). In such scenario, carrying forward the 5G terrestrial positioning capabilities into satellites networks could bring a number of benefits, enhancing performances well beyond current use of satellite communications signals for Positioning-Navigation-Timing (PNT), mostly as signal-of-opportunity.The activity aims at investigating, comparing and breadboarding the technologies necessary to support the introduction of positioning capabilities using 5G NR in allocated bands for 5G satellite networks, including mm-wave signals (typically around the 20 GHz). It will focus in particular on technologies towards the reduction of the form factor and power consumption of the user equipment by optimizing the end-to-end link, as well as on the associated robust and accurate positioning algorithms to accommodate the depth of coverage of satellite networks. This activity encompasses thefollowing tasks:- Critical assessment of the state-of-the-art relevant to the activity (5G terrestrial positioning technologies, systems and technologies for 5G NTN, positioning algorithms with satellites in different orbits, etc.)- Investigate and benchmark the performances and capabilities of different architectures and associated enabling technologies- Implementation of an experimental set-up representative of the candidate solution (early breadboard) to characterize and demonstrate the critical functions / technologies- Characterization of the resulting performances for proving the concept.Procurement 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.

Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Christophe Rene R. Seynaeve
Initiating Service: TEC-ESN
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+GR+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LU+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE
Technology Keywords: 6-B-I-Navigation System Tools
Products Keywords: 2-L-5-a-SW for RF Comm. design, analysis, simulation, etc.