ESA Open Invitation to Tender: 1-11103
Open Date: 02/12/2021 12:11 CEST
Closing Date: 01/02/2022 13:00 CEST

The objective of this activity is to perform (at Pre-Phase A level) the mission architecture definition, technology assessment and preliminary requirements specification of an aerocapture demonstration mission to Mars, focusing on the critical elements not commonly found in planetary missions. The mission shall demonstrate the single-event drag modulation aerocapture technique by insertion of a small spacecraft into orbit around Mars, with monitoring instrumentation and incorporating elements that are scalable to larger-scale missions. Results of the development and flight should be able to inform future trade-offs between aerocapture and propulsive orbit insertion.The procurement will be open competition to all industrial entities, ensuring an open competitive approach preparing further steps. Parallel contracts are foreseen in case of competitive complementary proposals. Furthermore, the participation of SME’s will be encouraged.

Directorate: Directorate of Tech, Eng. Quality
Estabilishment: ESTEC
ECOS Required: No
Classified: No
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Authorised Contact Person: Miguel Yagues Palazon
Initiating Service: TEC-SF
IP Measure: N/A
Prog. Reference: E/0600-05 – Preparation Element
Tender Type: Open Competition
Open To Tenderers From: AT+BE+CA+CH+CZ+DE+DK+EE+EL+ES+FI+FR+GB+HU+IE+IT+LT+LU+LV+NL+NO+PL+PT+RO+SE+SI
Technology Keywords: 26-OTHERS
Products Keywords: 2-P-Other