ESA Open Invitation to Tender AO10023
Open Date: 14/01/2020
Closing Date: 26/02/2020 13:00:00

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 19.118.26
Prog. Ref.: SSA P3 Space Weather
Budget Ref.: E/0716-01 – SSA P3 Space Weather
Special Prov.: HU
Tender Type: C
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Technology Domains: Spacecraft Environments and Effects / Space Weather / Modelling Development and IT Infrastructure
Establishment: ESOC
Directorate: Directorate of Operations
Department: Space Safety Programme Office
Contract Officer: Thro, Caroline
Industrial Policy Measure: N/A – Not apply
Last Update Date: 14/01/2020
Update Reason: Tender issue

The plasmasphere is a region of low energy plasma frozen into the Earths magnetic field and co-rotating with the Earth. The size, shape and dynamics of the plasmasphere vary strongly according to the level of magnetospheric activity. Understanding of dynamics ofthis region supports knowledge of particle acceleration and precipitation mechanisms and consequently the potential effects of the dynamic space environment on space assets. Furthermore, improved knowledge of plasmaspheric characteristics may provide improved ionospheric correction for positioning applications. This activity will carry out an analysis of the SSA SWE service requirements in view of the potential contribution of products providing real-time specification of plasmaspheric characteristics. Current related product provision shall also be analysed. These analyses shall address both products in the Space Radiation and Ionospheric Weather domain. A group of candidate products shall then be defined which complement existing SSA SWE service capability and provide enhancements in both Space Radiation and Ionospheric Weather domains. Building on existing prototypes which utilise both space and ground based measurements, the activity shall develop, test and validate plasmaspheric specification products as part of the SSA SWE Service Network. An assessment carried out with end user involvement shall develop a roadmap for further development and incorporation of plasmaspheric specification products into the SSA SWE Service Network.