ESA Open Invitation to Tender AO10545
Open Date: 14/10/2020
Closing Date: 02/12/2020 13:00:00

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 20.154.21
Prog. Ref.: NAVISP Phase 2 E1
Budget Ref.: E/0365-40 – NAVISP Phase 2 E1
Special Prov.: BE+DK+DE+CH+GB+AT+NL+NO+FI+CZ+RO+FR+IT+GR+HU+SE
Tender Type: C
Price Range: > 500 KEURO
Products: Satellites & Probes / RF / Microwave Communication (Platform and Payloads) / „Communication – BB (Antennas excluded)” / Other
Technology Domains: RF Systems, Payloads and Technologies / Radio Navigation Systems/Subsystems / Navigation System Tools
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of Navigation
Department: Strategy and Programme Department
Division: NAVISP Programme Office
Contract Officer: Wurzel, Loretta Elisabeth
Industrial Policy Measure: N/A – Not apply
Last Update Date: 14/10/2020
Update Reason: Tender issue

The need for a robust PNT to complement or back up GNSS in critical infrastructure/critical application is widely acknowledged. This translates into actions taken by stakeholders to further raise awareness (e.g. radio navigation plans in the US and Europe) and for some, pave the way towards some deployment (e.g. recent Request for Information initiated by the US Department of Transport for a timing infrastructure independent of GPS). This yields a renewed interest for Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) and Very Low Frequency systems, such as eLORAN or PTB, identified by some as a very relevant candidate to back up GNSS in timing applications. However, the programmatic context around ELF and VLF technologies is diverse, with some countries having initiated the decommissioning of theirinfrastructure, others maintaining them, and some also considering investing in new eLORAN infrastructures. The understanding of the potential benefits and shortcomings of ELF and VLF technologies is not as widespread as it is for GNSS. Further investment in RD in that area is recommended. The objectives of the proposed activity are:- develop a proof-of-concept of an innovative ELF/VLFPNT technique in combination with (or alternative to) GNSS for critical infrastructure and applications;- test key use cases andscenarios of the combined GNSS/ELF/VLF proposed concept for improved PNT. The tasks to be performed will include:- selecting an innovative concept that uses ELF / VLF technologies (infrastructure, user equipment, RF properties, processing algorithms, etc.) for use in PNT (timing or navigation systems, signal of opportunity, etc.);- defining and developing a proof of concept through simulation and trials for a number of scenarios;- assessing potential benefits, including combined use with GNSS, and shortcomingsof ELF / VLF PNT technologies.The main results of the activity will provide:- an improved understanding of ELF/VLF innovationpotential in complementing GNSS for improved PNT solutions;- new opportunities for resilient PNT and associated developments forEuropean industry