ESA Open Invitation to Tender AO10302
Open Date: 21/10/2020
Closing Date: 02/12/2020 13:00:00

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 20.1ET.07
Prog. Ref.: Technology Developme
Budget Ref.: E/0901-01 – Technology Developme
Special Prov.: BE+DK+FR+DE+IT+NL+ES+SE+CH+GB+IE+AT+NO+FI+PT+GR+LU+CZ+RO+PL+EE+HU
Tender Type: C
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Products: Satellites & Probes / RF / Microwave Communication (Platform and Payloads) / Antennas / Omnidirectional, Helix, Horn, Parabolic, Phased Arrays / Platform vs Payload / Satellites & Probes / RF / Microwave Communication (Platform and Payloads) / Communication – BB(Antennas excluded) / Analog: RF front ends / Satellites & Probes / RF / Microwave Communication (Platform and Payloads) / “Communication – BB (Antennas excluded)” / Analog: Power amplifiers (SSPA, TWTA, ¿)
Technology Domains: RF Systems, Payloads and Technologies / RF Technologies and Equipment / RF Devices / RF Systems, Payloads and Technologies / RF Technologies and Equipment / Vacuum Electronics / RF Systems, Payloads and Technologies / RF Technologies and Equipment / Time and Frequency / Electromagnetic Technologies and Techniques / Antennas / Array Antennas and Standalone Radiators / Optoelectronics / Photonics / RF Photonics
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. & Quality
Department: Electrical Department
Division: RF Payloads & Technology Division
Contract Officer: Erkelens-Sickinger, Franziska
Industrial Policy Measure: N/A – Not apply
Last Update Date: 21/10/2020
Update Reason: Tender issue

Advanced technologies could significantly enhance future Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) system capabilities in terms of cost and time to market while providing adequate performance for the application. In addition, new PNT constellations based on small satellites in LEO/MEO/IGSO orbits are under assessment. The implementation of the PNT small platforms or as hosted payload will affect the technological solutions. New concept and production approaches need to be optimized for the near future, carefully further considering the aforementioned aspects, cost and time to market.This activity aims at evaluating novel technologies for a more affordable and versatile space segments at L-band including:- Additive Manufacturing (AM), due to the number of materials (polymers, ceramics, metals) and the inherent design/process freedom, could enable performance improvements in RF parts (e.g. filters), integrationof different functions in single modules and shorter time to market. A system view is required when considering the use of AM.- Wideband High Power Output Section, enabling the payload simplification by using Broadband isolators, multi-frequency amplifiers, wideband antenna, etc. Different architectures and technologies shall be studied for each building block.- Photonics the advantages ofphotonics have been demonstrated in Telecom satellites for increased integration and performance. The interest of Photonics in order to optimise the navigation payload design will be assessed.- Advanced synthesis methods for filters and multiplexers, with the potential to simplify the payload architecture while providing adequate performance in terms of power handling, group delay and rejection. Advanced synthesis methods will be also required when considering multi-band filters with potential use in broadband output sections.Within the activity, the potential re-use of technology solutions and concepts for PNT systems in different orbits and/or platforms shall also be envisaged.The study will cover the following tasks:- To perform a state-of-the art literature research on advanced technologies.- Assessment of technology suitability for PNT space segment application considering different orbits/platforms.- Evaluation of provided specifications.- Development of advanced concepts.- Manufacturing and test of prototypes