ESA Open Invitation To Tender  AO7452 
Open Date: 04/04/2013
Closing Date: 21/05/2013

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 13.129.04
Prog. Ref.: TRP
Budget Ref.: E/0901-01 – TRP
Special Prov.: B+DK+F+D+I+NL+E+S+CH+GB+IRL+A+N+FIN+POR+GR+LUX+CZ+RO+PL
Tender Type: C
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of Technical & Quality Manag
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Department Division: Mechatronics and Optics Division
Contract Officer: Rudolfo Almeida
Last Update Date: 04/04/2013
Update Reason: Tender issue

This activity aims at developing theoretical and experimental knowledge on throw-nets for grasping orbital debris. The intended final result is a validated model of how a net behaves in the capture operation, accounting for all theon orbit environmental and system design parameters. This activity shall: 1) Elaborate detailed system requirements for the net system. Starting from a list of userrequirements provided by the Agency, the activity shall produce a complete set of requirements specifying the net system and the validation to be performed. 2) Develop a mathematical model of the net and the interdependence of the various system design parameters(e.g. cable dynamic parameters, knot type, mesh size, size of flying masses, closing mechanism), and on orbit environmental parameters (e.g. distance of throw, speed of throw). 3) Realise a parametric simulator of the capture operation. 4) Identify and experimentally characterise materials and assembly technology for the net. 5) Design a parabolic flight test campaign, related test equipment and measurement instrumentation/techniques. The campaign shall envisage different test items/test so that all parameters can be investigated with at least 2 data points. 6) Procure/manufacture integrate and validate test equipment on ground. 7) Perform the test with a representative sample of net and launcher specimens to cover the principal design parameters and validate the mathematical model. 8) Perform a mathematically rigorous validation of the model against the test results. Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news (dated 05/02/2001) “Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and R&D entities in ESA programmes”.

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